Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
23/3/2024	OCC3666	Port Macquarie Aerodrome	NSW	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On the day of the incident, the instructor had been doing a T...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On the day of the incident, the instructor had been doing a TIF in the Training Area. The instructor had given all of the radio calls on their side. Everything appeared normal. Traffic was quiet at the time. After giving an inbound call, the instructor heard another school aircraft operating in the circuit. They also heard a RPT aircraft giving an inbound call at 30 miles to the south. The instructor was 5 miles out and thought they had plenty of time to join overhead, slot in with the other school aircraft and land before the RPT. They continued giving all of the normal radio calls but hadn't heard any response. As they positioned to join midfield crosswind they heard the other training aircraft trying to call them. They responded but got no reply. The instructor then realised that they had a radio problem. They could see and hear the other training aircraft and decided to land as soon as possible while clear and well before the RPT aircraft. Meanwhile, the instructor in the other training aircraft realised there was a radio issue so conveyed the message to the RPT and also let the RPT know when training aircraft was clear of the runway. It was discovered that the radio transmit switch had failed on the instructor's side.
22/3/2024	OCC3649	Benalla Aerodrome	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Echo Super	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a Trial Instructional Flight, the aircraft entered the...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a Trial Instructional Flight, the aircraft entered the grass next to the runway. The instructor took over the controls and steered the aircraft back to the bitumen. The aircraft was back-tracked and shut down at runway holding point where the instructor conducted an inspection of the aircraft prior to continuing with the trial flight.
19/3/2024	OCC3618	Tara	QLD	I C P	Savannah	Rotax	912 UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft experienced an immediate bad vibration following...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft experienced an immediate bad vibration following a bird strike. The pilot immediately identified a suitable landing position and landed. Post landing an inspection of the propellor revealed significant damage to one of the four blades.
19/3/2024	OCC3619	The Head	QLD	Fisher	Mk1	Rotax	582	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Enroute to destination at an altitude of 7500’ the engine red...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Enroute to destination at an altitude of 7500’ the engine reduced in rpm with the current throttle setting. Throttle was further advanced and power was restored. A shallow descent was commenced towards some open farmland ahead and entered a holding pattern above the area whilst appropriate trouble checks were carried out on the engine. No improvement was noted. The engine was still operating without any obvious signs of failure other than the reducing level of power. Consideration was given to a diversion to nearby airfields of YCHB, YWCK and YSPE. However, with the engine condition unknown and suitable landing areas below. It was decided to land in a freshly mowed farm paddock to avoid any unnecessary risk by diverting. Descent was continued above the planned landing area whilst assessing the size, slope, obstacles and nearby farmhouse. A precautionary Mayday was declared to Brisbane centre ATC on area frequency 121.2 as the surrounding high terrain would have likely impacted VHF coverage and predicted that coverage on the ground would be limited. A successful landing was made in the paddock with no injuries or damage. Unable to make radio contact after landing with ATC. The pilot attempted to contact any aircraft in the area to relay a message on the current frequency and also tried other frequencies 126.8 and 119.5. The pilot proceeded to walk to farmhouse with handheld radio continuing to try and make radio contact. Mobile phone coverage was also not available. Upon reaching the house they used the landline phone 14 minutes later to contact ATC Flightwatch and advise that they landed safely. Initial inspection of the engine indicates that the magneto / stator assembly had physical failure and the resulting drag or binding of the failed components within the casing caused the power loss. Further inspection to be completed.
18/3/2024	OCC3621	25 miles North East of Marree	SA	Pipistrel	Virus SW 100	Rotax GMBH	912 IS2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: While cruising at 5000 ft from Lake Eyre to Arkaroola the cre...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: While cruising at 5000 ft from Lake Eyre to Arkaroola the crew experienced a burning smell followed by very dark and pungent smoke filling the cabin. Expecting to have to put down in the desert the pilot looked for a suitable area, called a mayday and descended to 2500 ft. At this point the smoke seemed to dissipate and the pilot reassessed their landing options. As there was a landing strip 10 miles away, (5 minutes), at Decoy Hill, Mundowdha Station, and the aircraft was operating normally they opted to make for there. On reaching Mundowdna they could see that Marree was only minutes away which looked like a far better option so made it to there where emergency services met them.
17/3/2024	OCC3611	Muchea/Greenside Aerodrome	WA	Taylorcraft Aviation	DCO-65	Continental	A65	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The flight was with an instructor as a safety pilot. After ap...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The flight was with an instructor as a safety pilot. After applying full power, the engine sounded normal and there were no vibrations or other indications of an anomaly. However, after lift-off it became apparent that the aircraft did not have full power available. The instructor checked that the throttle was in the full forward position. RPMs were indicating 150 - 200 too low. The instructor took over controls, by this time they no longer had enough runway ahead of them, so the instructor veered the aircraft to the right into a paddock adjacent to the runway. The landing was hard and on undulating ground resulting in prop damage.
16/3/2024	OCC3630	Sunshine Coast	QLD	Fly Synthesis	Texan 600	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft inadvertently entered the 1500ft step while on a Tri...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft inadvertently entered the 1500ft step while on a Trial Instructional Flight. Passenger was very anxious and due to the windy conditions, the pilot then climbed to 2500ft to get out of lower level turbulence without acknowledging that the controlled airspace was above them.
13/3/2024	OCC3600	Gawler Training Area	SA	Jabiru	J170-C	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst completing solo training in the Gawler training area, ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst completing solo training in the Gawler training area, the student was distracted by another training aircraft and inadvertently entered restricted airspace. A debrief was conducted and a pre area solo brief will be standardised for all future training area solos, including reminders of CTA steps.
11/3/2024	OCC3616	Dirrabandi	QLD	Aeroprakt	A32 Vixxen	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was on a stable approach to Runway 09. The wind ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was on a stable approach to Runway 09. The wind was 09/10 Temperature 33 degrees Celsius. Unbeknownst to the pilot, there was a dust devil crossing the runway. The aircraft was lifted by the dust devil, resulting in the nose wheel sustaining damage.
10/3/2024	OCC3598	Narrogin	WA	Jabiru	J170	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The motor stopped revving after take-off. There was no power...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The motor stopped revving after take-off. There was no power at 300ft. The pilot landed the aircraft in paddock in front of the airstrip. This aircraft had been unflown and dormant for approximately 4 years in an open hangar structure. An RAAus Aircraft condition Report (ACR) was completed by a local approved Level 2 RAAus maintainer. The wing tanks, and associated fuel systems were inspected and pressure and flow tested also at this time with no issues noted. The aircraft was then flown to its' home location and operated for approximately 3 hours. A further post purchase inspection and maintenance was then carried out prior to the accident by an independent Level 2 and revealed significant non complaint airworthiness requirements from numerous service bulletins not being completed as well as a cracked propeller. The accident occurred approximately 3 weeks later and approximately 4 hours additional flight time. During the initial climb the pilot chose to turn off the auxiliary fuel pump where the loss of power subsequently occurred. The pilot conducted a forced landing where minor undercarriage damage was incurred without any injuries. Post accident investigation during repair found significant debris in the form of fuel residues in the carburetor bowl. Accident repair included replacement of damaged undercarriage legs and associated hardware and a new mechanical fuel pump was fitted as a precaution. The aircraft has operated without further incident since the repair works were completed and the fuel pump replaced.
7/3/2024	OCC3599	Hogan Island	VIC	ICP	Savannah VG	Rotax	912S	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Severe engine vibration resulting from a detached throttle op...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Severe engine vibration resulting from a detached throttle open spring causing a carburettor imbalance
2/3/2024	OCC3591	Walgett	NSW	I C P	Savanah S	Rotax	912ULS 2-01	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Radiator hose split. The pilot shut down the engine and lande...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Radiator hose split. The pilot shut down the engine and landed safely at nearby air strip.
2/3/2024	OCC3593	Bendigo	VIC	Tecnam	P2008	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot returned to the airport from a local flight and rep...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot returned to the airport from a local flight and reported that the front windshield had cracked spontaneously, with no impact involved.
2/3/2024	OCC3608	Toowoomba	QLD	Jabiru	J230C	Jabiru 3300	Gen 4	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: RAAus was advised that during approach, the crew of an RPT ob...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: RAAus was advised that during approach, the crew of an RPT observed a Jabiru cross their path. The Jabiru pilot departed Clifton at approx. 0645 EST enroute for Toowoomba – Wellcamp – Pittsworth and return to Clifton. When approaching Cambooya they changed to Toowoomba Broadcast area frequency 127.65Mhz and broadcast intention to overfly Toowoomba. They overflew Toowoomba at 5300 feet approx. then tracked towards Wellcamp on descent to 4500 feet and made a radio call that they were tracking Toowoomba – Wellcamp for Pittsworth. When approaching Wellcamp the pilot heard an inbound call from an RPT aircraft inbound via “OMBAS”. The pilot communicated with the RPT pilot and following a response, the RPT pilot appeared confused about which aircraft was overhead Wellcamp and which aircraft was operating at Wellcamp. The Jabiru pilot then informed the RPT pilot that it was enroute to Pittsworth and that the other aircraft was actually doing circuits at Wellcamp. The Jabiru pilot then began to try to identify the location of “OMBAS” on their VTC. As confusion now existed as to the location of the RPT aircraft and The Jabiru radio conversation with the RPT pilot about who was going to Pittsworth, the Jabiru pilot thought that Pittsworth was the location where the RPT aircraft was going to be, so decided to avoid a head on conflict. They elected to turn to the north west and head towards Oakey to remain north of the runway centre line and the area to the South and South West of Wellcamp and therefore avoid crossing his inbound path and to avoid any conflict. They were very alert and looking for the RPT but at no time did they see it and assumed that they had missed it whilst trying to locate “OMBAS” on the map. At this stage the Jabiru was still slowly descending for their planned height of 3000 feet to track onwards to Pittsworth. When about 5 to 7 mile from Wellcamp and nearing the boundary of Oakey airspace they felt they were now well clear of any aircraft conflict and commenced a turn towards Pittsworth. The Jabiru plot heard no further transmissions from the RPT pilot after their initial two radio communication calls whilst the Jabiru was overhead Wellcamp at 4800 feet. The Jabiru continued their flight to Pittsworth – Felton and returned to Clifton.
26/2/2024	OCC3587	Gundagai	NSW	Aeros	ANT	Corsair	M25Y	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot took off in a single seat aircraft, with a 2 stroke...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot took off in a single seat aircraft, with a 2 stroke engine (1 spark plug) from Tumut, about 40 mins into flight when they were 2000ft above Gundagai, the engine cut out. Without incident, the pilot conducted an emergency landing at Gundagai Racecourse which they had pre-identified as their engine out landing option about 5 mins before. Upon inspection they noticed that the spark plug cap on the 2 stroke motor had popped off the actual spark plug. When they reattached on the ground the engine started but the connection was loose. The pilot had identified this loose connection in a 50 hour inspection about a month before but was not certain that the loose connection was abnormal. They also wondered whether the prop was unbalanced and was causing excessive vibration but again was not sure if that was abnormal. The pilot noticed a day later that they did not have the rubber boot fitted properly to the spark plug cap. This may have significantly reduced vibration of the joint between the cap and the spark plug. Also noticed was that the tip of the spark plug had been worn, almost certainly by the vibration.