Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
31/1/2017	OCC0911	Caboolture	QLD	Aeroprakt	A32 Vixxen	Rotax	912 ULS	On short finals the pilot noticed the front of the door flex open some 2cm during heavy turbulence a...
On short finals the pilot noticed the front of the door flex open some 2cm during heavy turbulence at 50-55kts. The pilot has no doubt that had they been traveling faster that the door would have opened, that speed was the limiting factor. The pilot had only one stage of flap down at the time. OUTCOME: Technical Manager reviewed report and has liaised with the LSA importer. The factory have issued a service bulletin and have also re-designed the locking latch. See the following documents on the RAAus Member Portal for access to the service bulletins below: Aeroprakt SB A32-02 - Modification of all-moving horizontal tail (AMHT) of A32 and A32L Aircraft see https://members.raa.asn.au/storage/sb-a32-02-modification-of-amht.pdf Aeroprakt Safety Alert A32-01 - Temporary limitation of VNE for A32 and A32L Aircraft see https://members.raa.asn.au/storage/sa-a32-01-temporary-limitation-of-vne.pdf
30/1/2017	OCC0931	Sunshine Coast Airport	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912ULS	On return from a dual training flight it was noticed that the left wing fuel filler cap was missing....
On return from a dual training flight it was noticed that the left wing fuel filler cap was missing. Fuel was added prior to the flight and during the pre-flight inspection the fuel cap was noted to be in place. Because of a possible FOD risk, the matter was reported to Sunshine Coast Airport Operations who conducted a search of RWY 12 and found the fuel cap on the runway approximately 200 m from the RWY12 threshold. On close inspection of the fuel cap it was found that the key locking mechanisms was working but had become worn, allowing the key to be removed while in the unlocked position. The fuel cap is a key locking type and when operating correctly the key cannot be removed from the cap in the unlocked position. OUTCOME: The National Technical Manager has reviewed all data and is satisfied all areas of concern have been addressed. A notification to the Australian Sling agent was also made. Members with this type of aircraft should inspect their fuel cap and the locking mechanism to ensure it is not worn.
30/1/2017	OCC0903	Archerfield Airport	QLD	The Aircraft Factory	Sling LSA	Rotax	912IS	During circuits, the pilot was distracted by sun glare on short final. The aircraft bounced and enco...
During circuits, the pilot was distracted by sun glare on short final. The aircraft bounced and encountered pilot induced oscillation landing nose wheel first damaging the engine frame. The pilot went around and conducted a full stop landing. OUTCOME: The pilot lost control during landing/flare due to being visually affected by the sunlight glare. The school CFI has conducted further remedial training with the pilot on decision making (regarding missed approaches) prior to further command flight. Environmental, operational and decision making are all identified contributing factors in this accident.
29/1/2017	OCC0898	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	Aeroprakt	AP22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	During a trial instructional flight the aircraft entered Controlled Airspace without a clearance. O...
During a trial instructional flight the aircraft entered Controlled Airspace without a clearance. OUTCOME: The Instructor was distracted during delivery of a lesson and violated Moorabbin airspace. The CFI has required further retraining and a flight review prior to conducting further instruction to prevent a recurrence.
28/1/2017	OCC0904	Bendigo Airport	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Super Echo	Rotax	912	An aircraft experienced partial loss of engine power. Inbound traffic established on a straight in a...
An aircraft experienced partial loss of engine power. Inbound traffic established on a straight in approach vacated the circuit. The pilot called a glide approach from base and landed without further incident. OUTCOME: The National Technical Manager has reviewed all data and spoken to the delegated LAME and is satisfied all areas of concern have been addressed regarding the maintenance of the aircraft.
26/1/2017	OCC0896	Lilydale Airport	VIC	Pipistrel	Virus SW	Rotax	912 ULS	During a routine landing, the aircraft airspeed was too slow resulting in a sudden drop from 5-10ft ...
During a routine landing, the aircraft airspeed was too slow resulting in a sudden drop from 5-10ft onto the tricycle undercarriage causing damage to all three wheels, due to ensuing stall. On impact the aircraft slewed to the right and ran off onto grass, where it came to a stop. OUTCOME: While conducting a short field approach, using a glide approach and dive brakes (as per aircraft POH) the pilot did not manage the airspeed, attempted to stretch the glide and the aircraft stalled just above the ground, with insufficient height to conduct a go-around. The aircraft undercarriage and fairings were damaged and a possible propeller strike occurred.
26/1/2017	OCC0908	Orbost Airport	VIC	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	Shortly after landing in a cross wind, the aircraft suddenly veered left while still traveling appro...
Shortly after landing in a cross wind, the aircraft suddenly veered left while still traveling approximately 50kt. This sharp turn resulted in the aircraft rolling to starboard and running off LH side of strip onto shoulder. As the pilot corrected and turned right, the prop struck the tarmac, due to being lower to ground, and as a result of aircraft rolling onto two wheels. OUTCOME: While landing at a tarmac airport, the pilot, who had previously been trained at a grass aerodrome, may not have corrected for the crosswind, and straightened the nose wheel prior to touching down. The pilot is completing further revision of cross wind technique and landing at hard surfaced runways. Pilots are reminded of the RAAus Runway - Loss of Control videos for further education about these issues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_Ix4UPJ3c
26/1/2017	OCC0909	The Vale Airstrip	TAS	Pipistrel	Virus SW 100is	Rotax	912is	After landing the pilot was taxiing to parking area in the paddock. As the aircraft is a tail dragge...
After landing the pilot was taxiing to parking area in the paddock. As the aircraft is a tail dragger the pilot needed to zig zag for visual reference. On this occasion the pilot did not see a 'witches hat' that had been placed on a post next to the laneway. When the pilot turned off the laneway to park, the propellor struck the bottom weight (5kg) of the 'witches hat' that was approximately 500mm off the ground. The pilot immediately applied both brakes which caused the aircraft to stand on its nose, breaking the spinner and lower engine cowling. One propellor blade broke off at hub, because of either the 'witches hat' or the ground strike. OUTCOME: While taxiing at a private airstrip, the pilot of the tail dragger aircraft failed to notice a 'witches hat' and once struck, applied excessive braking, causing the aircraft to pitch over and strike the propeller. Pilots are reminded of the importance of keeping a good lookout while taxiing and manoeuvring are required to clear the taxiing path ahead of the aircraft.
26/1/2017	OCC0901	North Stradbroke Island	QLD	X-Air	Hanuman	Rotax	912 UL	The pilot wanted to climb to gain more height so increased the throttle, as the revs were increasing...
The pilot wanted to climb to gain more height so increased the throttle, as the revs were increasing the motor started to cough and splutter. When the pilot backed off, the revs were perfect again indicating a fuel blockage somewhere around the 5000 rev range. The pilot thought it may be icing as well but as they were trying to work it out they were losing height and had to land on the beach. The landing was uneventful. OUTCOME: After an investigation of the engine issues the pilot identified that they had inadvertently added contaminated fuel. Member identified that they should use a funnel when re-fuelling their aircraft.
25/1/2017	OCC0907	Latrobe Regional Airport	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Eaglet	Rotax	912	The oil cap was left off the aircraft during routine pre-flight inspection. The issue was not found ...
The oil cap was left off the aircraft during routine pre-flight inspection. The issue was not found until following days flying. OUTCOME: RAAus has reviewed this report and no further action required. Members are advised to ensure that appropriate attention is paid (minimise distractions) when conducting pre-flight inspections of aircraft.
25/1/2017	OCC0917	Archer Falls	QLD	Arions	Lighting	Jabiru	3300	Just as the aircraft was about to touch down two large grey kangaroos ran onto the RWY and confronte...
Just as the aircraft was about to touch down two large grey kangaroos ran onto the RWY and confronted each other on the center line of the strip about 60-100 meters ahead. The pilot applied thrust get airborne again and attempt another touchdown in the remaining runway. The second touchdown was firm resulting in a prop strike and other damage. The aircraft was wings level throughout this manoeuver ending up a little left of runway center on shutdown. OUTCOME: The pilot was unable to execute a safe go around due to kangaroos on the runway and had insufficient stopping distance after avoiding a collision to safely stop the aircraft. Pilots are reminded of the dangers of wildlife incursions at private landing areas where limited recovery options are available.
25/1/2017	OCC0986	Private Airfield, Kalkite	NSW	Evektor	Harmony	Rotax	914 ULS	The pilot overflew the field prior to landing and the windsock showed close to no wind. During appro...
The pilot overflew the field prior to landing and the windsock showed close to no wind. During approach the pilot also checked ground speed and airspeed, there was a difference of 4kts (back-wind). When the aircraft came to flare the pilot didn’t realize that a strong gust from the back didn’t let the aircraft down. When the aircraft came to touch down it was deep in the field and could not stop. Contact was made with a fence with the left wing and the whole aircraft turned around. The left wheel broke of and the right wing also hit the fence. Outcome: The pilot acknowledged that flying below 500' AGL over areas such as Mt Kosciusko represented increased risk, had the potential to bring RAAus into disrepute and agreed to cease the practice immediately. The flight was also non compliant as the pilot had a lapsed BFR and further upon landing the pilot over ran his private landing area causing significant damage to the aircraft. The pilot has effectively been grounded due to the aircraft damage and has not undertaken further flight. A comprehensive flight review including aircraft handling, decision making and other Human factors considerations was directed by Operations prior to further command flight.
25/1/2017	OCC0899	Wynyard	TAS	Jabiru	LSA 55	Jabiru	2200A	Soon after touchdown the pilot heard a light cracking sound and the right wing dropped slightly. The...
Soon after touchdown the pilot heard a light cracking sound and the right wing dropped slightly. The pilot assumed that there was a problem with the undercarriage and immediately put the stick hard to the left and eased in right rudder to take the weight of the right wheel. Turning of the RWY onto the grass the aircraft completely stopped just before the wing touched lightly onto the grass as the broken undercarriage bracket let the undercarriage leg twist forward. Outcome: The Technical Manager has discussed the issue with the owner. This issue has subsequently been referred to CASA as the aircraft is type certified.
21/1/2017	OCC0889	Devonport	TAS	Jabiru	LSA55/2K	Jabiru	2200	The aircraft bounced hard on landing in a crosswind, resulting in a collapsed nose wheel mounting. ...
The aircraft bounced hard on landing in a crosswind, resulting in a collapsed nose wheel mounting. OUTCOME: Runway Loss of Control accident by student pilot on second series of supervised solo circuits. Pilot handling skills, combined with changing crosswind conditions, were significant contributing factors in this accident.
16/1/2017	OCC0892	Coffs Harbour Airport	NSW	tecnam	p2002	rotax	912	Upon return to the airport after landing, and just before exiting RWY03, it became apparent that the...
Upon return to the airport after landing, and just before exiting RWY03, it became apparent that the aircraft had a main right flat tyre. The aircraft exited the runway into taxiway Delta. The airport safety officer towed the aircraft back to the hanger. OUTCOME: RAAus Technical Manager has reviewed the report and no further action is required.