Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
12/5/2016	OCC0653	Tarwin Lower	VIC	Skyfox Aviation	Skyfox Ca22	Rotax	912	Aircraft encountered stong wind gusts during take-off resulting in collision with terrain. OUTCOME:...
Aircraft encountered stong wind gusts during take-off resulting in collision with terrain. OUTCOME: The pilot had not correctly identified the effects of both topographic and mechanical hazards at this private landing area and had not obtained any aeronautical wind forecast for the first flight to this location. Ground based local weather assessments prior to take-off failed to show the true conditions that were prevalent at the time of take-off. Operations close to significant mechanical towers, particularly rotating wind turbines are high risk and should be avoided.
10/5/2016	OCC0821	Mouroubra Station	WA	Skyfox	Gazelle	Rotax	912 A2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Reporter noticed that dirt was getting past the air f...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Reporter noticed that dirt was getting past the air filter and found grit in the air box. The maintainer replaced the foam air filter and surrounding seal, then replaced hoses from the carburettor to the air box. The hoses (where they were bent) had holes and could be seen only when straightened out however the maintainer didn’t think this was where grit was entering as they would have been sealed off when bent. The maintainer removed the air box and could see the air flap that could be opened for carburettor heat. The maintainer noticed that this flap was held closed by a spring connected to the air flap shaft. It was also noticed that when flap was closed it could still be moved away from its seat. The maintainer tighten the bolt that passes through the shaft and flap and this seemed to take out any movement so the flap would remain against its seat and stop dirt entering. OUTCOME: Technical Manager has received the report and notes that air box issues and wear are common in older style aircraft. Since the aircraft is a type certified model an application under the MARAP process would be required to make any modifications.
9/5/2016	OCC0895	Broken Hill Airport	NSW	Aeropilot	Legend 600	Rotax	912 ULS	The aircraft suffered a heavy landing resulting in slight damage to left main landing gear leg. OUT...
The aircraft suffered a heavy landing resulting in slight damage to left main landing gear leg. OUTCOME: Gusty crosswinds were present during the landing and the pilot did not successfully manage the aircraft, landing heavily and damaging the undercarriage. The damage was not discovered for several flights and members are reminded of the importance of conducting heavy landing checks immediately after a heavy landing is conducted.
7/5/2016	OCC0703	Mareeba Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	J160	Jabiru	2200A	With a 10-12 kt headwind on final, at about 6-8 ft off the ground, the aircraft suddenly dropped. Th...
With a 10-12 kt headwind on final, at about 6-8 ft off the ground, the aircraft suddenly dropped. The pilot flared quickly to a nose up attitude and the aircraft bounced off the main undercarriage. The stall warning sounded and the plane fell suddenly to the RWY damaging the main left and nose wheel, and the propeller struck the RWY. OUTCOME: Runway Loss of Control (R-LOC) due to pilot unable to recognise potential wind gradient. Pilots reactions were unable to adjust to the environmental conditions and the aircraft commenced a Pilot Induced oscillation after a mismanaged bounce recovery. Member has been recommended for further training.
7/5/2016	OCC0643	Yarram	VIC	Zlin	Savage Cub	Rotax	912 ULS	During landing rollout in a 10 kt cross wind the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft vee...
During landing rollout in a 10 kt cross wind the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the swing before colliding with a fence. OUTCOME: Experienced pilot was ferrying the aircraft on this flight leg and despite currency, and recency on tail wheel aircraft, they had only conducted four landings on this specific aircraft type. Significant contributing factors identified by the pilot were minimum time on specific type and a degree of complacency. Runway-Loss of control (R-LOC) events continue to be significantly over represented with RAAus accidents. Light, short moment tail wheel configuration aircraft require constant attention and high skill levels at all times during take off and landing and can catch out even very experienced pilots. Pilots are reminded to ensure that currency and skills are maintained in specific aircraft to reduce the risk of loss of control events particularly in tail wheel aircraft.
6/5/2016	OCC0666	Murray Bridge	SA	Flight Design	CTSW	Rotax	912	Pilot parked the aircraft in a designated parking bay and returned after a short period to taxi back...
Pilot parked the aircraft in a designated parking bay and returned after a short period to taxi back to the hanger. The pilot did not see a cone just off to their right and angled the plane to rejoin the taxiway - and ran over the cone. It was at very slow speed however destroyed the propeller. No other damage to the aircraft and the cone was scratched but not destroyed. OUTCOME: Pilot failed to apply appropriate situational awareness in taxi phase of flight and as a result experienced a propeller strike with a nearby taxi marker. Further investigation revealed that the pilot had operated the aircraft outside of the RAAus BFR requirements. Further the pilot was incorrectly advised by the aircraft maintainer of the inspection requirements that are required following a propeller strike for this aircraft as outlined in Rotax service letter SL-912-015. Pilot advised that certificate privileges were suspended pending an appropriate BFR and aircraft serviceability determined in accordance with rotax requirements.
6/5/2016	OCC0680	Seabird	WA	Jabiru	J250	Jabiru	3300	Aircraft operating under VFR entered IMC due to the weather deteriorated from the NAIPS forecast. O...
Aircraft operating under VFR entered IMC due to the weather deteriorated from the NAIPS forecast. OUTCOME: Pilot failed to maintain VMC flight due to stress of weather and continued to operate below VMC and required height minima's in order to reach his planned destination. Experienced pilots are reminded that HF considerations are paramount for successful flight outcomes and should not be compromised by years of experience or having "got away with it" in the past. Normalization of these behaviours unfortunately has led to tragedy in many recorded aviation accidents particularly in relation to continuing flights into marginal VMC.
4/5/2016	OCC1046	Bendigo	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Super Echo	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Door Key will slide in to ignition lock, will operate...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Door Key will slide in to ignition lock, will operate ignition and allow engine to start. On engine run up an excessive mag drop is found for a Rotax engine (about 150 rpm). A pilot accustomed to Lycoming engine drop will not find it excessive. OUTCOME: The worn key barrel has now been replaced. Technical Manager has reviewed the report and no further action required.
4/5/2016	OCC0637	Condobolin	NSW	Bristell LSA	NG5	Rotax 912	ULS2	Pilot (with passenger) conducted five 5 touch and goes and were on final for the sixth and final lan...
Pilot (with passenger) conducted five 5 touch and goes and were on final for the sixth and final landing for the day. The wind sock was facing South for the first five landings and swung around to the East just before final. A gust of wind hit the plane and drove it into a clump of small trees. The pilot and passenger no time to do anything before the plane came in contact with the soft top branches causing the plane to flip upside down and crash to the ground. Both pilot and passenger managed to escape from the plane before a fire completely burnt the plane. Aircraft is destroyed with minor injuries to both personnel on board. OUTCOME: Pilot lost control of the aircraft when the starboard wing grazed branches of a tree on final approach near the landing area threshold of a private landing Area.(R-LOC). Contributing factors included high wing primacy of this experienced Cessna 182 pilot with the low wing aircraft configuration and the lack of understanding of reduced inertia of light sport aircraft at low airspeed. Subsequent actions undertaken include substantial removal of trees on this approach by the owner and Operations request for pilot to undertake specialist revision training in unimproved landing area operations with local CFI as part of new aircraft handover process in the coming months. These actions have been agreed too and will be coordinated by the delivering dealer in the coming months.
4/5/2016	OCC0641	Wardell	NSW	Paradise	P1	Rotax	912 U L S	Pilot was operating out of "Saltwater" ALA in the designated Ballina Southern Training Area (R638 is...
Pilot was operating out of "Saltwater" ALA in the designated Ballina Southern Training Area (R638 is just 2 nm miles South of this ALA). On checking EVX notams NAIPS reported "No Current NOTAMs". The pilot's usual procedure was to check with Brisbane Centre on 120.3 to confirm status of the Evans Head Airspace if the intention was to penetrate R683. The pilot had a high workload in the cockpit due to a technical issue and was delayed in the normal turn on to North as well as the call to Brisbane Centre. Pilot was squawking Mode C and immediately contacted Bribane Centre when requested by an overflying RPT aircraft. OUTCOME: Pilot and landing area operator has amended his flight planning process using appropriate AirServices information in NAIPs via the restricted area briefing tab to confirm status of this RA1 restricted area. This site is a training airfield and the CFI has incorporated the amended planning into all student flight briefings as well. Pilots should be aware that traditional inactive restricted areas are increasingly being activated for a range of extended military activities and historical inactivity cannot be assumed as operations may be H24 by NOTAM.
26/4/2016	OCC0633	Northam Station	QLD	Tecnam g5 Eaglet	P96	Rotax	912	Aircraft experienced a wire strike on the propeller. The reporter believes that a piece of wire may ...
Aircraft experienced a wire strike on the propeller. The reporter believes that a piece of wire may have been dragged onto private strip and picked up by propeller causing propeller and spat damage. OUTCOME: Pilot stated that it may have been possible that an animal dragged wire onto the runway or picked up in a hangar environment. It is recommended that an inspection of runways and hangars occurs on a regular basis as a sensible precaution to avoid FOD hazards to aircraft.
23/4/2016	OCC0648	Adelaide	SA	Jabiru	SP 500	Jabiru	2200A	Airspace Infringement near Mount Bold Reservoir: Description:- PC12 PIL inbound to Adelaide from DRI...
Airspace Infringement near Mount Bold Reservoir: Description:- PC12 PIL inbound to Adelaide from DRINA on descent to A030 visual was given traffic on a 1200 squawk with no mode C indication crossing right to left about 14 miles south east of Adelaide. As traffic was passed, a mode C readout of A029 was received from the 1200 squawk, and PIL's descent was stopped at A040. The aircraft passed each other with no less than 1000 ft separation. The 1200 squawk was identified as Jabiru, the altitude verified, and the aircraft instructed to leave class C descending to A025. OUTCOME: Loss of situational awareness due to inattention and distraction in close proximity to control area boundary. The experienced pilot has self evaluated his planning and in flight management errors to protect against any further occurrences SAFETY MESSAGE: RAAus pilots are reminded to ensure adequate planning and consideration of all environmental factors when conducting flights in proximity to known controlled airspace boundaries. High work loads and distraction, due to unexpected flight conditions, can be mitigated by pilots applying generous buffers in their pre-flight planning, and vigilance to in flight navigation, and decision making.
22/4/2016	OCC0639	Bundaberg Airport	QLD	Homebuilt	Nova	Jabiru	3.3	After successfully landing the tail wheel aircraft went into a right hand ground loop and the applic...
After successfully landing the tail wheel aircraft went into a right hand ground loop and the application of left rudder was insufficient to correct. The pilot's application of power caused the aircraft to over correct to the left. This caused the right hand main wheel leg to fold in and collapse. OUTCOME: Runway - Loss of Control (R-LOC) on landing. Contributing factors identified were inattention, lack of tail wheel endorsement and braking configuration of aircraft. Pilot requested to undertake authorised endorsement training with an RAAus school and qualified instructor and to consider reversion of brake design to original differential brake configuration.
20/4/2016	OCC0629	Yarrawonga	VIC	Airborne	Edge X 582	Rotax	582	Aircraft recently experienced abnormal engine indications. Maintainer replaced all fuel lines, fuel ...
Aircraft recently experienced abnormal engine indications. Maintainer replaced all fuel lines, fuel filters, cleaned the fuel tank and replacing the fuel pump and other items with the owner. Maintainer had the owner conduct a number of engine runs with a number of RPM settings before conducting a check flight. Maintainer/ pilot conducted the same power run ups to ensure the aircraft was safe to fly which indicated no sign of a problems. Pilot/ maintainer taxied to the beginning of RWY01, ran the engine up to 5000 RPM and held it there for 2 minutes, started take-off roll and rotated as normal. Pilot climbed in a normal climb out to 900 feet and was about to turn down wind when the engine started to lose power. Pilot tried to restart the engine three times without success however had enough power to conduct a landing in a paddock of the end of the runway. No damage sustained to the aircraft or pilot. OUTCOME: Technical Manager contacted pilot/ maintainer requesting additional information. This was the second incident of its kind regarding engine issues with this specific aircraft. The pilot/ maintainer took appropriate inspections and actions to identify the abnormal engine indications however was unable to identify the source of the problem. The engine has been removed and sent to factory for repair and rectification. The trike manufacturer is assisting with this one off engine issue.
19/4/2016	OCC0661	Tamleugh (NW of Violet Town)	VIC	Corby	Corby Starlet CJ-1	Jabiru	2200	Before departure the pilot noticed a slight stiffness in the canopy slide function. The canopy locke...
Before departure the pilot noticed a slight stiffness in the canopy slide function. The canopy locked securely before flight. Flight from Mt Beauty to Colac, Victoria at 3,500ft at 90 kts. In flight the right hand front corner of the canopy was noticed to be slightly displaced to right (3mm) from normal. This was observed for some time and appeared to be stable. The pilot decided to maintain a reduced speed of 90 kts. After 20 minutes, the canopy suddenly departed the aircraft. The aircraft continued operating normally with no indication of any contact of the canopy with the airframe and with normal engine power and fuel consumption. The pilot elected to continue the flight at reduced speed and the fuel endurance was sufficient for destination with 1 hour reserve. OUTCOME: Owner/ pilot was aware of concerns with the canopy runners for some time and had planned to change the canopy. Unfortunately due to personal reasons the replacement canopy had not occurred, which lead to the incident. This canopy was converted from side opening to slide in 2003. The canopy is an old style (Gould) normally mounted on a three point slide arrangement. This conversion incorporated two Accuride Ball bearing slides regularly used on Corby Starlets. This Canopy is considerably heavier than the common New Zealand variety generally used these days and consequently side loads may have caused some distortion to the slides when fully extended. The owner/ pilot had opened the canopy when taxiing over undulating grass to get parking instructions. One of the ball bearings may have dislodged from its ball carrier and found its way between two slide elements, forcing the elements apart or imparting considerable side load which could ultimately cause this to happen. The owner/ pilot has since had a new canopy made and has supplied the appropriate drawings for the new canopy slide. Corby Starlet owners are reminded of the importance of preventative and ongoing maintenance practices.