Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
4/2/2022	OCC2706	Bendigo Aerodrome	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Echo Super	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was conducting circuits on runway 17. On the first ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was conducting circuits on runway 17. On the first approach the pilot had to conduct a go round due to an aircraft on the runway and noticed in climbing that the elevator felt different to the initial take off. The pilot had not flown that specific aircraft for some time and considered it might have been a different control response to the aircraft they fly regularly. On levelling the aircraft at circuit height the pilot noticed that the elevator was right up on the stop and the plane was continuing in level flight. The pilot continued the circuit and after one unsuccessful attempt landed, but noted descent was achieved only through dropping power to idle and staying just marginally above stall speed. Interview with the CFI who had conducted an assessment flight with the pilot noted it was possible the pilot had inadvertently selected flaps to fully down on the go around rather than retracting to up, which would affect the control response. The subsquent assessment flight reviewed goarounds and corrective actions in the event of a go around along with a review of standard circuit procedures.
3/2/2022	OCC2720	Georgetown Aerodrome	TAS	Kitfox Aircraft	Kitfox 5	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed at Georgetown runway 06. Wind was approxi...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed at Georgetown runway 06. Wind was approximately 12 to 15 knots with a crosswind component and the landing was normal. Subsequent to the visit, the pilot taxied for a mid-runway departure on 24 right grass, but elected to depart mid-runway departure as there is normally less turbulence in the latter end of 24. The wind was indicating the same direction as was observed during the landing so the pilot elected to take off at a slight diagonal. Before commencing take-off roll the pilot confirmed the windsock indication which indicated about 10 knots. The take-off roll was commenced and after only a very few metres the aircraft suddenly turned 60 or 70° to the left with no pilot input whilst accelerating more than normal. The pilot decided to continue the take-off as they determined there was still sufficient room to become airborne in normal circumstances. The aircraft did become airborne but did not clear the boundary fence and struck a ditch bank at an acute angle. The aircraft then rotated 90° left and went backwards into a large ditch approximately 1 metre deep and 2 metres wide. The tail wheel suspension springs were damaged as a result.
30/1/2022	OCC2699	Aldinga Aerodrome	SA	American Champion	7AC Champion	Continental	C90-14F	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The instructor was conducting circuits on runway 14 with a st...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The instructor was conducting circuits on runway 14 with a student. The circuits also included practicing simulated engine failures in various circuit position. The instructor initiated a practice engine failure while turning downwind 14 and the student elected to do a glide approach on to runway 21 which was the best choice from where they were positioned. The instructor failed to make a radio call to inform other traffic on what they were performing. On the commencement of the manoeuvre the instructor had a good look out for other traffic on 14 and did not see any. They continued the approach on to runway 21 in a full side slip to reduce height. Once near the ground they straightened up and commenced the flare and hold off. Seconds later they noticed a VH registered aircraft landing on runway 14 directly in their path. The instructor executed and emergency turn to the left and avoided a collision with the other aircraft.
30/1/2022	OCC2700	Sunshine Coast Aerodrome	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: This was a dual circuit lesson. The student was cleared for ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: This was a dual circuit lesson. The student was cleared for a touch and go, then required to do a right circuit. During the circuit, the student elected to do a go-around and ATC then re-cleared the aircraft to climb straight ahead. The instructor missed this call and the student proceeded to do a right circuit. Traffic was joining the circuit from the south and was issued a safety alert.
29/1/2022	OCC2704	Narromine Aerodrome	NSW	Howard Hughes Engineering	LightWing GA-55	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was flying for about 1.5 hours at 3,000-3,500 fe...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was flying for about 1.5 hours at 3,000-3,500 feet in the local area. The weather was 67% humidity with 29 degrees. The pilot was aware of the increase risk in carby icing so was ensuring that they were using Carby heat for 30-40seconds every 10-12 minutes. When the aircraft was 1-2 NM north east of the airport and the engine lost power/ran rough. The pilot immediately found best glide speed and picked an appropriate paddock, then ran through checks (Carby heat, mags/ mixture, fuel pump, fuel in tanks). The pilot made a radio call to the two other aircraft in the CCT who came to check that the pilot and aircraft was okay. The pilot ran through checks again and when they used carby heat the second time the engine regained power. The pilot was able to continue to the airport so communicated their intentions and landed on 22 grass without incident. When the aircraft landed a LAME/L2 checked the engine/propeller and suggested it was possible carby icing (despite the regular use of carby heat). full power ground runs were carried out with nil defects evident so the LAME took it for a fly and there were no further issues. It is most likely that the engine power loss/rough running was due to carburettor icing.
29/1/2022	OCC2705	Gawler Aerodrome	SA	Jabiru	J 170C	Jabiru	Gen 4	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During dual circuit training, a Jabiru conducting flight trai...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During dual circuit training, a Jabiru conducting flight training was on final approach at approximately 400 ft AGL when another aircraft was observed intersecting the Jabiru flight path at 90 degrees on a base turn. The other aircraft was flying a much tighter circuit due to reduced glide performance. RAAus discussed the events with the pilot of the other aircraft and determined right of way was not managed appropriately by the pilot. Pilots are reminded of the requirements for maintaining sequencing in the circuit regardless of differing performance characteristics of aircraft.
29/1/2022	OCC2698	French Island	VIC	Fly Synthesis	Texan TC	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot completed a pre-flight of the aircraft, including ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot completed a pre-flight of the aircraft, including checking the fuel tanks (~65 lts), oil and draining fuel to check for contaminates (nil). They boarded the aircraft with one passenger and then conducted pre take-off checks. All appeared normal. They departed Tooradin airfield, RWY 22 departing upwind to the SW on climb to 2000ft (heading for the training area over French Island), and upon reaching 1900, levelled off as the cloud base was at approx. 2000ft. At top of climb the pilot switched off the fuel pump and landing light with all gauges reading normally. The pilot then elected to descend to 1800 to avoid lower cloud ahead. They did not turn on carb heating for the shallow descent. At this point the engine began to run 'rough' with a slight loss of power. The pilot scanned instruments and switches with all appearing normal. Shortly after there was a significant loss of power. The pilot commenced the restart procedure for the aircraft. Initially with right fuel tap open, fuel pump open, carb heat on, both mags on. They commenced a second restart with both fuel taps open, fuel pump on, carb heat on, both mags on. they did not check/observe the fuel pressure or oil gauges. The engine provided brief power and then cut out again. The pilot looked for a suitable area to land on French Island and spotted a suitable paddock and completed a mayday call. The CFI of Tooradin flying school was also flying in the vicinity and on frequency, they guided the pilot through the restart procedure on the radio. The pilot completed these checks and attempted a restart 1 or 2 more times without success. they then briefed the passenger on landing. The aircraft touched down in a grassy paddock on the NW side of French Island. The passenger and pilot received nil injuries and there appeared to be no damage to the aircraft.
28/1/2022	OCC2727	Coonabarabran Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J120	Jabiru	J2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the landing flare, the aircraft dropped approximately ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the landing flare, the aircraft dropped approximately 1 metre and bounced due to turbulence, power was applied and the aircraft landed safely. Subsequent inspection noted the firewall had been damaged and repairs were completed.
28/1/2022	OCC2701	Cronulla	NSW	TL Ultralight	TL-2000 Sting	Rotax	912 ULS 2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A Sting aircraft was reported operating in Victor 1 and in th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A Sting aircraft was reported operating in Victor 1 and in the vicinity of Cronulla beach showing 1000' AMSL, tracking coastal northbound. Victor 1 requirements include maximum altitude of 500; AMSL. The pilot had confirmed the QNH using Sydney ATIS and according to the onboard instruments was at 500'AMSL. As a result of the reported altitude according to the transponder, an inbound passenger jet was taken off the approach. Sydney Tower subsequently contacted the Sting aircraft on 120.8. As the pilot was of the opinion they were compliant they did not respond. The passneger jet was resequenced and landed without further incident. The pilot confirmed the transponder aboard the aircraft was checked and found to be in error which correlates with the report from Sydney ATC. The aircraft instruments were calibrated in accordance with CAO 100.5 requirements and a logbook entry made.This incident should serve as a reminder to aircraft owners not to assume calibration or other maintenance work has been conducted by whomever is completing maintenance for the aircraft. All aircraft are required to have onboard instruments calibrated on the calendar basis outlined in Section 12.4 of the the RAAus Technical Manual.
25/1/2022	OCC2709	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912-ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the second touch and go of a dual lesson the engine R...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the second touch and go of a dual lesson the engine RPM reduced to 4600rpm on upwind RWY 29L. The pilot turned back to land RWY 11L and landed, vacating the runway under its own power back to the hangar. An L2 Engineer identified a damaged spark plug cap. All spark plugs were replaced and the aircraft returned to service with no further issues.
23/1/2022	OCC2697	Latrobe Regional Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	J230	Jabiru	3300	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst flying at 2500ft the pilot heard a small noise followe...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst flying at 2500ft the pilot heard a small noise followed by nil oil pressure and high oil temperature. The pilot closed down the engine and made a normal landing after a glide approach. It was identified that the occurrence was as a result of failure of the front oil seal.
20/1/2022	OCC2690	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912-ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Before take-off checks were conducted and all were satisfact...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Before take-off checks were conducted and all were satisfactory. At approx. 100ft after take-off on the fifth circuit, a reduction in power 100-200RPM was noticed. The PIC decided to abort the take-off and land on the remaining runway for further diagnosis. After returning to the run-up bay and switches check, the aircraft was within tolerance. The aircraft has been grounded until further inspection by L2.
19/1/2022	OCC2688	Canberra Aerodrome	ACT	BRM Aero	Bristell S-LSA	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The engine began to run rough and a significant drop in power...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The engine began to run rough and a significant drop in power occurred whilst in Barton training area with aircraft situated near Murrumbateman township. Initially the aircraft began to vibrate with the severity of vibration increasing rapidly over a period of 10-15 seconds. The engine indicated normal manifold pressure reading and RPM however the severe vibration was felt through the aircraft and an exhaust smell was evident. Reducing power helped the problem to a small degree but the aircraft could not maintain altitude unless high power setting was applied and aircraft could only maintain altitude at 65-70 KIAS well short of standard 100KIAS speed. PIC called PAN-PAN and ATC helped to guide aircraft toward Hall air strip. Enroute to Hall - Oil temperature was observed near the maximum acceptable range and indicated at the top of yellow strip. The pilot elected to maintain power setting as high as possible and attempt to gain altitude anticipating that engine may soon have a complete failure. However, the pilot was unable to sight the strip and was unfamiliar due to it being private and having never previously visually identifying it. ATC helped guide the pilot decision making by informing that YSCB was next closest with Canberra racecourse a possibility to land in enroute if required. The engine vibration then settled and at a reduced speed of 65-70kt and the pilot was able to return and make a landing successfully on RWY17 at YSCB. Engine has been inspected by the manufacturer and could not determine a fault. The aircraft owner will implement a boroscope inspection at 50 hourly intervals to monitor the cylinder condition.
16/1/2022	OCC2685	Devonport Aerodrome	TAS	Jabiru	J/120B	jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting circuits at Devonport Airport, the aircraf...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting circuits at Devonport Airport, the aircraft turned downwind and struck a seagull with the propellor. The wooden propellor broke from the aircraft, the pilot immediately reduced power and switches off. The aircraft easily glided back to the runway and landed. Determined Outcome: In-flight separation of the propeller occurred as a result of fracture of the propeller bolts. Notwithstanding the reported bird strike, the propeller bolts showed extensive fatigue crack propagation. The extent of cracking was such that the propeller could also have separated without an external influence, or would have separated with continued operation. The propeller washers were not installed in accordance with the maintenance manual, which may have contributed to accelerated wear and subsequent cracking of the bolts.
16/1/2022	OCC2691	Caboolture	QLD	Tecnam	P92-S Echo	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The lower right hand chrome moly tubing showing evidence of ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The lower right hand chrome moly tubing showing evidence of excessive corrosion resulting with the integrity of the frame being compromised. The corrosion is evident inside the exposed tubular longerons and has rusted from the inside-out.