Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
20/2/2016	OCC0582	The Oaks Airfield	NSW	Sonerai	2LT	Jabiru	2200 A	At approx 1700 h on Saturday 20 February 2016 a mini cyclone passed over The Oaks Airfield causing c...
At approx 1700 h on Saturday 20 February 2016 a mini cyclone passed over The Oaks Airfield causing considerable damage to all structures, including hangers, office blocks, sheds, and aircraft. OUTCOME: One aircraft was completely destroyed, with the fuselage broken, both wings damaged beyond repair, canopy destroyed, and almost every panel on the aircraft damaged.
20/2/2016	OCC1042	Tyabb	VIC	Bristell	Bristell	Rotax	912 ULS	While operating at an aerodrome away from the home aerodrome, another aircraft cut in front while on...
While operating at an aerodrome away from the home aerodrome, another aircraft cut in front while on base. OUTCOME: The issue was later determined to be a radio failure although it appeared at the time the radio was operating normally. RAAus Operations have reviewed the report - members are reminded a radio check is required prior to operating on the active areas of an aerodrome. This should be achieved using AWIS or other automatic devices, or by request to other aerodrome users.
15/2/2016	OCC0566	Sunshine Coast	QLD	The Aeroplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	Aircraft was operating in the circuit area and was instructed to climb straight ahead after a touch ...
Aircraft was operating in the circuit area and was instructed to climb straight ahead after a touch and go, for sequencing with following traffic. Aircraft requested a practice engine failure after the TGL, which was approved. Shortly after the practice EFATO, aircraft was observed to turn left crosswind. OUTCOME: This was a dual training flight during towered hours where several land hand circuits were conducted. A different clearance was given however the aircraft continued as per previous clearances and was an unintentional violation of a clearance. CFI working proactively with the Sunshine Coast tower to ensure future events involving instances such as these do not occur.
14/2/2016	OCC0564	Wedderburn	NSW	Sling	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	Whilst conducting touch and go circuits pilot had an NLG collapse. OUTCOME: Pilot had completed one...
Whilst conducting touch and go circuits pilot had an NLG collapse. OUTCOME: Pilot had completed one landing (NE/NW 5-8 kts). Second landing had two stages of flaps, was fast and high on this approach. Aircraft bounced and PIO followed. Observer noticed decided nose down attitude on approach. Pilot acknowledged his error in not electing to apply power and missed the approach. Pilot has completed BFR subsequent to accident with local CFI and was assessed satisfactorily. Flight in question was done after a short joint XC with son to Bathurst. Aircraft has been assessed by LAME and is under repair. PRIMARY CAUSE: Pilot approached at higher than usual airspeed as a result of being high on approach, decision to increase flap at late stage to control airspeed resulted in additional lift in ground effect which coupled with relaxed back pressure set up initial bounce and subsequent Pilot induced Oscillation resulting in impact with nose wheel and associated structures.
7/2/2016	OCC0611	Forest Hill	QLD	Minicab	G Y 201	Rolls Royce	0-200A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Oleo collapsed on landing allowing brake line to cont...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Oleo collapsed on landing allowing brake line to contact ground. Abrasion of brake line resulted in loss of fluid and function in left brake. OUTCOME: Technical Manager reviewed report and suggested the following information from Tony Bingelis books found in the following links: * http://www.amazon.com/The-Sportplane-Builder-Aircraft-Construction/dp/094000030X/ref=pd_sim_14_3/190-9927914-7703659?ie=UTF8&dpID=31i%2Blf4vjML&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR123%2C160_&refRID=04YZ5CS7Q4HDEHE3A0N1 * http://www.amazon.com/Sportplane-Construction-Techniques-Tony-Bingelis/dp/094000092X/ref=pd_sim_14_2/190-9927914-7703659?ie=UTF8&dpID=41ywZ1uAnQL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR122%2C160_&refRID=04YZ5CS7Q4HDEHE3A0N1
2/2/2016	OCC0562	Moruya	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	During the landing roll the pilot did not correct a veer to the left instead electing to roll onto t...
During the landing roll the pilot did not correct a veer to the left instead electing to roll onto the grass at the edge of the runway. Pilot saw a runway edge light too late and ran into it with the right-hand main wheel. The light snapped at the base and the right hand wheel spat was damaged. OUTCOME: As this event appears to have resulted from two aircraft using different runways, despite on being established in the circuit, and confusion from conducting of orbits for spacing, recommended the instigation of a Joint Operations Advisory Panel involving all operators at the aerodrome, to resolve these issues at a local level and establish commonly understood practices.
2/2/2016	OCC0561	Moruya	NSW	Skyfox	Gazelle	Rotax	912A	Whilst Gazelle was conducting circuit operations on RWY18 at Moruya, with wind at 180 degrees at app...
Whilst Gazelle was conducting circuit operations on RWY18 at Moruya, with wind at 180 degrees at approximately 10 kt, a Foxbat had taken off and departed the circuit from RWY22. After approximately 30 minutes, and continued circuit operations on RWY18 by Gazelle, Foxbat re-entered the circuit for circuit operations on RWY22. Whilst both aircraft were able to maintain reasonable separation, parachute operations were also being conducted with airfield landings. In one instance when Gazelle had landed, and taken off again from RWY18, all aircraft were notified by radio that canopies were in the circuit area for airfield landings. Foxbat proceeded to radio intentions of right hand orbits from late downwind RWY22, in the left hand pattern, contrary to circuit pattern. In doing theses right hand orbits, Foxbat was directly orbiting in the line of the Gazelle operating RWY18, on their crosswind leg. A radio call was made to Foxbat to ensure they were still aware of our continued left hand circuits on RWY18, which granted a reply that they had us in sight, followed by a request that we make low level crosswind and downwind, in order to avoid their right hand orbits. These right hand orbits made air proximity quite close, and unnecessary in a left hand pattern. The change in wind direction at approximately 10:45 local, to ESE, also placed the Foxbat conducting circuit operations downwind, also putting them in close proximity to the landing parachutes as they landed on RWY22. OUTCOME: As this event appears to have resulted from two aircraft using different runways, despite being established in the circuit, and confusion from conducting of orbits for spacing, recommended the instigation of a Joint Operations Advisory Panel involving all operators at the aerodrome, to resolve these issues at a local level and establish commonly understood practices.
30/1/2016	OCC0560	Caboolture	QLD	The Aeroplane Factory	Sling	Rotax	912	Immediately after lift off the aircraft startled a Magpie Lark (Grallinacyanoleuca) which struck a g...
Immediately after lift off the aircraft startled a Magpie Lark (Grallinacyanoleuca) which struck a glancing blow to the right side of the aircraft canopy. No damage to aircraft. OUTCOME: Overnight rain resulted in the runway being soft and more attractive to foraging birds. The dismal weather forecast for the day meant the airfield was much quieter than usual so there have not been any regular traffic to displace the wildlife.
28/1/2016	OCC0559	Wollongong Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J-170	Jabiru	2200B	After a dual check with an instructor pilot commenced a series of touch and go circuits, on the last...
After a dual check with an instructor pilot commenced a series of touch and go circuits, on the last landing the pilot applied the brakes to commence slowing down. There was an audible "pop" sound followed by complete loss of brake pressure and braking effect. The pilot successfully completed the rollout, pulled off onto the grass verge and rolled to a stop with no damage to the aircraft. OUTCOME: Subsequent checking of the aircraft showed that cable ties, securing the brake lines to the undercarriage leg had broken, allowing the brake lines to be pulled out of position during flight leading to a kink in the brake line. A pre-landing brake check had shown normal pressure on the brake lever. When the brakes where applied after landing, the brake line had failed at the kink causing total loss of braking. The cable ties securing the brake lines were found to be brittle, probably from UV exposure. The aircraft is not hangared. The operator will check and replace all other exposed cable ties.
27/1/2016	OCC0891	7NM NW of Atherton Airfield	QLD	Tecnam	P92	Rotax	912 USL	Approximately 7NM NW of Atherton, the pilot was startled by a loud bang to the left wing and glanced...
Approximately 7NM NW of Atherton, the pilot was startled by a loud bang to the left wing and glanced across to see what they believe to be a bird wing disappearing underneath the aircraft wing. The aircraft performed normally, there was no option for an emergency landing so the pilot continued on to Atherton. OUTCOME: The pilot has lodged a bird strike report. This is the first report of a bird strike in this area reported to RAAus. ERSA for area highlights bird and animal hazards exists in this area.
26/1/2016	OCC0563	Jaspers Brush	NSW	Tl Ultralight	Tl-2000 Sting	Rotax	912 ULS2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: On returning to aerodrome after a short solo flight, ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: On returning to aerodrome after a short solo flight, the landing gear was selected down with only the nose wheel light illuminated. The gear was cycled several times without success. The emergency gear down was activated (which disconnects the gear motor and allows the landing gear to fall by gravity). Pilot was still unable to get the main gear lights to illuminate. On landing, the touchdown appeared normal but as the aircraft slowed to a stop the left main gear collapsed. The following day the aircraft was lifted on to a frame so the main gear could be locked down manually. It was seen that a part of the gear mechanism had twisted so the main gear could not reach the lock down position. When taxiing back to the aircraft parking position, the nose wheel collapsed although the 3 green lights were illuminated indicating all wheels were locked down. OUTCOME: Preliminary investigation showed that the main wheels did not reach the lock down position due to excess bending of the push-pull rods. These are only operating when the main wheels are going up or down and do not take any strain when the wheels are down and locked. Preliminary investigation of the nose wheel collapse points to the gas strut, which holds the wheel in the lock down position, failing. It seems that these two incidents are not related but a pure coincidence that they happened a day apart.
24/1/2016	OCC0585	2 nm West of Holbrook Airfield	NSW	Skydart	2S	Rotax	912	Engine stopped at 1200 ft above a tree area with no clear landing area in sight. Pilot gave 'MAYDAY'...
Engine stopped at 1200 ft above a tree area with no clear landing area in sight. Pilot gave 'MAYDAY' call then glided to an open area and landed safely. Pilot tried to radio Melbourne that they had landed successfully however assumed radio was not transmitting out of area. MAYDAY call was not cancelled until some time later with AMSAR. OUTCOME: Pilot advised he called AMSAR RCC on return to Holbrook after speaking with MEL CTR on the same day as soon as he became airborne again. Pilot had AMSAR number in phone but couldn't locate it due to not having access to reading glasses. Ops confirmed with pilot the SAR cancellation was completed on same day as MAYDAY. Pilot had planned and carried sufficient fuel for flight plus 10 litres reserve, heat of day resulted in additional fuel burn in combination with greater headwinds. One tank is believed to have un-ported as aircraft still had 8 litres when the engine failed. Aircraft has no POH or published burn rates or minimum fuel requirements. Pilot has modified fuel system to reduce potential for vapour locks.
23/1/2016	OCC0554	Roma Airfield	QLD	Skyfox	Gazelle	Rotax	912	After take-off on the second circuit of a training flight, the engine began to run rough and lost po...
After take-off on the second circuit of a training flight, the engine began to run rough and lost power. Throttle was reduced to maintain power but then completely failed. Aircraft was landed in a paddock just south of the airfield. Possible problem with the check valves in the fuel lines as the fuel isolation valve was in the ON position and electric boost pump was ON. OUTCOME: The aircraft fuel system was inspected with a fuel flow test to each carburettor and no fault was found. The hoses had very recently been replaced within the last 10 hours of flight and it was thought that a foreign body may have caused a blockage but this was not the case. After the aircraft forced landed in the paddock, the electric fuel pump could be heard running and a check of the strainer drain valve showed ample fuel flow available to that point with the pump turned off. Conditions at the time were quite warm having cooled down to 35 deg C but operations were from a long bitumen runway that was very hot from the day's sun. The engine failed on the second circuit when the engine bay was hot and it is very likely to be vapour lock from fuel boiling in the lines inside the engine bay. The Aircraft Flight Manual restricts operations to less than 39 deg C for Gazelle aircraft but school operations manual restricts operations to below 35 deg C (the case here). CFI has re-routed the fuel lines inside the engine bay to be away from the engine and in the cool air but also looking at other options for operations during hot weather.
23/1/2016	OCC1044	Bendigo	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Super Echo	Rotax	912 ULS	During a Flight Review the tail of the aircraft impacted the RWY. Determined Outcome: Due to the ...
During a Flight Review the tail of the aircraft impacted the RWY. Determined Outcome: Due to the delay between this incident occurring and it being reported it is unlikely that any further investigation can contribute to improved safety. Members are reminded of the importance of adhering to maintenance recording procedures and ensuring incidents such as these are reported in a timely way. RAAus continues to improve and enhance maintenance procedures and processes and encourages members to continue to report all events for data and trend analysis purposes.
22/1/2016	OCC0557	Morawa	WA	Jabiru	SP500-6	Jabiru	6	On touchdown on RWY33 at Morawa, WA pilot was hit by a willy willy or massive wind change. Pilot cou...
On touchdown on RWY33 at Morawa, WA pilot was hit by a willy willy or massive wind change. Pilot could not control the aircraft so decided to do a go around. On applying full power the nose gear collapsed and the right main gear broke and folded back. OUTCOME: Pilot and local CFI were advised of appropriate strategies to assist in minimising the effects of local meteorological conditions and the correct communication and cancellation processes for any inferred SAR that may be undertaken as the result of an accident. Pilots operating at remote airfields, where environmental factors are likely to have major impacts on flight control in the landing phase, should consider appropriate arrival and departure timing or available alternates or advanced precautionary assessment of the intended landing area.