Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
17/11/2023	OCC3493	Kingaroy Aerodrome	QLD	Supermarine Aircraft	Spitfire MK 25	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Runway in use RWY 23 (grass), with wind from SW at 15 gusting...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Runway in use RWY 23 (grass), with wind from SW at 15 gusting 25 knots. The aircraft backtracked for full length departure. After applying take-off power, tail raised and held at normal runway attitude. Shortly after, the aircraft travelled across a patch of thick tufts of grass causing the narrow main-gear tyres to dig in and the nose to begin a downwards pitch. The pilot applied back pressure to arrest the downward pitching moment and the aircraft subsequently became airborne. The pilot suspected that the aircraft had clipped the thick grass tufts, however all indications during the circuit were normal and no change in engine pitch was noted during the event, including no vibration felt in the propeller. Upon landing the propeller was inspected, and mild abrasion to the outer 1 inch of the leading edge propeller tips observed. OUTCOME: High performance aircraft ground handling error resulting in possible propeller strike, but more likely the propeller impacted thick grass on take-off. Propeller has been re-moved and sent back to manufacture for inspection as a safety precaution.
12/11/2023	OCC3498	Wallis Island	NSW	EDRA Aeronautica	Super Petrel LS	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft is a water hull type amphibious seaplane and was con...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft is a water hull type amphibious seaplane and was conducting a recreational flight between Wallis Island airfield and a water ALA approx. 4 miles to the SE. Immediately after take-off the engine experienced a partial loss of power and vibration at around 200 feet AGL. The pilot immediately lowered the nose and conducted fuel and ignition checks and found no improvement in response from the engine. They made a radio call on the CTAF and advised another aircraft in their group of the problem and that they would be conducting a water landing immediately south of Wallis Island. A normal and uneventful water landing was conducted with the engine still giving some useful power and after a smooth touchdown the aircraft coasted to a stop about 50 meters from the nearest beach. The pilot switched the engine off to assess their situation and found that they were in no immediate danger. There was no damage to the aircraft and the hull was intact and the bilge pump did not activate in Automatic mode indicating that they were not in danger of sinking. The pilot restarted the engine and found that the engine was now running smoothly. Considering their location and circumstances and with the passengers’ concurrence they attempted a step taxi to assess engine power and with the engine running smoothly at full rated power the pilot attempted a take-off, however the aircraft sustained some damage to the pro when hitting a large boat wake. They then flew the aircraft across the lake at about 50 feet AMSL and landed uneventful again nearest the beach where they had a pre-arranged ground crew assist with trouble shooting the engine issue and effecting repairs to the prop over the next 2 hours. With the engine and prop repaired and after several test flights were conducted and the pilot elected to fly the aircraft back to home base in Qld without further issues.
10/11/2023	OCC3489	Gawler	SA	Jabiru	J170-C	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot had just conducted a practiced forced landing and w...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot had just conducted a practiced forced landing and was climbing up to 3500ft, tracking north from Lauke Mill, towards Greenock, in the Gawler Airfield training area. Around 2000 or 2500ft, a yellow and white aircraft appeared suddenly on a converging heading at what appeared to be the same altitude. The pilot turned to the left to avoid a possible collision and the yellow and white aircraft appeared to turn to the right. The next time the pilot caught sight of the aircraft, it was at a lower altitude, tracking south west. The pilot had transmitted their location and intentions on 126.5 prior to conducting the air work. No radio calls were heard from the other aircraft. OUTCOME: Near miss recorded by RAAus after receiving OMS. Pilot completed acceptable levels of look-out to identify other aircraft in close proximity. Pilot reminded to be extremely vigilant when completing Airwork, especially for aircraft transiting the training area.
1/11/2023	OCC3505	Jandakot Aerodrome	WA	BRM Aero	Bristell S-LSA	Rotax	912 ULS 3	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was outbound via YGB and climbed to A015 without...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was outbound via YGB and climbed to A015 without a clearance. The pilot realises they should have maintained A010 until clear of CTR, unless advised otherwise by ATC.
28/10/2023	OCC3564	Cessnock Aerodrome	NSW	Legend	600L	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After conducting Instructional flight and conducting an after...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After conducting Instructional flight and conducting an after landing check, it was noted the Right Main fuel cap was missing. The school has now implemented procedures to minimise the risk of this occurring again.
27/10/2023	OCC3479	Serpentine Aerodrome	WA	Morgan Aeroworks	Cheetah Sierra 100	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An unexpected loss of lift on late final resulted in a hard l...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An unexpected loss of lift on late final resulted in a hard landing. The left wheel stub axle broke out of mounting plate causing wheel assembly to separate from the aircraft. The landing roll continued with the aircraft veering left as undercarriage leg moved through soft sand. The aircraft came to rest facing 90 degrees away from runway.
27/10/2023	OCC3476	Devonport Aerodrome	TAS	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Between 200 and 250ft off the runway, the revs dropped back t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Between 200 and 250ft off the runway, the revs dropped back to 4700rpm. The instructor turned left immediately and landed back on the runway. OUTCOME: The aircraft engine was inspected, including a detailed inspection of the fuel system and no issues were found. Based on the temperature of the day, and the lack of evidence and mechanical failure, it was determined that the engine suffered carburetor icing. The aircraft has been back in service for over 40 hours without any further issue.
26/10/2023	OCC3475	Sunshine Coast Aerodrome	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Instructor and student were conducting circuits on runway 31 ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Instructor and student were conducting circuits on runway 31 at YBSU, on 3rd circuit turning crosswind to downwind the pilot noticed a significant vibration from a rough running engine. The pilot declared a Mayday and returned for immediate landing without incident. RAAus L2-LAME confirmed they checked and inspected the entire aircraft. They were unable to locate any faults with the aircraft but replaced the fuel pump, spark plugs and check the HT leads. The aircraft has flown a number of hours since with nil defects evident. The carbs, and bowls have been inspected and cleaned as well. L2 will continue to monitor the aircraft.
25/10/2023	OCC3473	Port Macquarie Aerodrome	NSW	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An instructor and student were conducting circuit training in...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An instructor and student were conducting circuit training in a Sling 2, RWY 03 was in use, when an RPT aircraft called a straight in approach 03. The instructor gave a mid-downwind position call for RPT's and other traffic benefit. When the RPT gave an 8-mile call, the sling 2 was approaching late downwind. It was apparent the Sling 2 could not turn base without creating a conflict. The instructor gave a call they would extend their downwind leg. The RPT called there was a traffic conflict, and at that very moment a Baron 58, passed from the Sling’s right to left in front of them approx. 150 feet above their altitude on a descending base leg. Their intention to be on final ahead of the RPT aircraft. The Sling made their base turn when they were abeam of RPT and continued with a normal approach. The Baron 58 was conducting circuit training and had been in circuit with the Sling for some time. The instructor was aware they were on a high downwind leg. This report has been referred to CASA for their review/investigation.
24/10/2023	OCC3469	Cessnock Aerodrome	NSW	TL Ultralight	TL-3000 Sirius	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a student’s solo circuit flight they reported to the i...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a student’s solo circuit flight they reported to the instructor via radio that on final right door popped open. The student conducted a go-around and normal circuit before returning to land safely. OCCURRENCE OUTCOME: Student handled the situation well and was fully de-briefed on the occurrence by the instructor after landing. Student to ensure aircraft security before departure as part of pre-take off checks.
24/10/2023	OCC3468	Cessnock Aerodrome	NSW	Legend	600L	Rotax	912iS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the first start-up of the training aircraft, the maste...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the first start-up of the training aircraft, the master was switched on and avionics but as they moved on to push the start button the whole system shut down and did not come back online again. They had multiple attempts of switching master on and off again, but nothing happened. The aircraft was ground immediately, and the CFI notified. The CFI then inspected and found a faulty battery connection and has now been rectified. This occurrence highlights the importance of daily inspections and maintenance checks.
20/10/2023	OCC3467	Quilpie Aerodrome	QLD	Pipistrel	Sinus Flex	Rotax	912 UL2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On landing about 20 minutes before sunset at Quilpie Airport,...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On landing about 20 minutes before sunset at Quilpie Airport, the windsock indicated runway 27 as the preferred runway. On final, visibility was poor due to the sun setting about 30 degrees to the left of the runway heading. About 200m from a satisfactory touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway and the propeller struck something. On shutdown a propeller strike was confirmed as the propeller was missing the tips. The pilot walked back along the runway and found the two separated propeller blade tips, on the left side of the runway where the pilot first noticed the vibration in the aircraft. OUTCOME: Pilot will take care not to land into the setting sun if possible and will also make sure that the aircraft windscreen is clean allowing for increased visibility.
19/10/2023	OCC3459	Palgrave	QLD	Jabiru	J160			Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. ATSB are not investigating and therefore Queensland Police ar...
Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. ATSB are not investigating and therefore Queensland Police are responsible for the investigation. RAAus has offered our full support as they conduct their investigation.
18/10/2023	OCC3458	Caboolture Aerodrome	QLD	ICP	Savannah	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An aircraft was observed to join midfield cross-wind for RWY ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An aircraft was observed to join midfield cross-wind for RWY 06 with the intention of landing. At approx. 50ft, the reporter called on the radio to advise the runway was closed. The aircraft climbed and joined RWY 11, crossing the runway at about 200ft, then climbing to around 500ft. The aircraft landed and taxied to the MOGAS bowser. No radio calls were heard from the aircraft apart from acknowledging the advice that the runway was closed. When the reporter approached the pilot and they advised they did not see the white cross on the threshold. OUTCOME: Pilot advised to check the NOTAMs before departure and make sure that the landing area is clear (and without any marking indicating that the runway is closed).
18/10/2023	OCC3456	Maryborough Aerodrome	QLD	Tecnam	P92 Echo Super	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had just taken off from runway 17 and climbed th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had just taken off from runway 17 and climbed through to around 400ft. The pilot then saw roughly 15 birds appear from their left-hand side the birds were higher than the aircraft, one decided to fly straight for the aircraft hitting the left-hand wing, due to height carried out a visual check and control check and continued with circuit and then landed the aircraft safely back on 17. RAAus continues to monitor bird strike and wildlife reports at aerodromes to ensure correct ERSA/NOTAM information is in place and to enable reporting to the aerodrome proprietor.