Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
15/2/2021	OCC2301	Narromine Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: While manoeuvring, the pilot of a glider observed a Jabiru on...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: While manoeuvring, the pilot of a glider observed a Jabiru on a reciprocal track at the same level and both pilots took avoiding action. The two aircraft passed in close proximity. The Jabiru pilot reported making radio calls but not hearing any from the glider. The pilot has since completed a review with a CFI specifically focusing on the application of appropriate flight planning including awareness of NOTAMs, avoidance of aerodromes where increased collision risk was likely, the use of correct radio phraseology when intending to transit non-controlled aerodromes, appropriate responses to radio transmissions with aircraft in possible conflict with a planned track, CAR 166C requirements for mandatory broadcasting, considerations of track or height mitigation to reduce the potential for conflict with other aircraft " in the vicinity" of YNRM, recommended hemispherical cruising levels and reporting requirements with RAAus and ATSB. Members are encouraged to review CAAP 166 and the CASA "Be seen, be heard, be safe" information https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/radio-procedures-in-non-controlled-airspace.pdf
12/2/2021	OCC2292	Caboolture Aerodrome	QLD	Aeropro	2K Eurofox			OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: This is a report from another pilot about an incident at this...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: This is a report from another pilot about an incident at this airfield. The reporter was at the glider launch point which was located about 100m south of the threshold. The reporter observed a training aircraft stop for run-ups at the undershoot entry point to the runway. In the immediate circuit at that time were a Tiger Moth on late final, followed by a Jabiru. As the Tiger Moth crossed the threshold, and Jabiru called “Final", the training aircraft then called “entering and lining up for immediate departure”. The training aircraft did not depart immediately but instead remained stationary for some time. Concerned about the developing situation, the reporter moved forward towards the taxiway to see if the Tiger Moth was still on the runway stopping the training aircraft from departing but the Tiger Moth had already cleared the runway. When the Jabiru was about 200m from touchdown and behind the training aircraft, the training aircraft commenced rolling without a further call. At about this time the Jabiru also gave a call of "late final"' The two aircraft appeared to be on a near collision course but this was averted when the training aircraft aborted take-off after about 100m and the Jabiru made a very long landing. RAAus has interacted with the airport safety committee and the CFI of the training school and safety outcomes have been arrived at, related to the high activity level at this airport. RAAus appreciates reports from all personnel involved or observing unsafe operations at airports.
11/2/2021	OCC2289	Somersby Aerodrome	NSW	Aero	At-3/r100	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot completed the preflight and started the engine and...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot completed the preflight and started the engine and proceeded to taxi to backtrack runway 35, the aircraft and engine indications were normal. The engine ran normally at 4000rpm; Ignition check normal, 120 rpm drop Ign1 & Ign2; but roughly at 3000rpm and at idle (1600-1800rpm). The engine was shut down for investigation (ignition 1 & 2 OFF, master switch off). There was no indication of smoke or fire. Then light smoke appeared from forward part (NACA inlets) of engine cowl. The pilot exited aircraft to investigate. The smoke thickened & darkened from within engine cowl. (the pilot return to the cockpit, to pull the fuel shutoff lever to it cut-off). The smoke darkened and began to blister the cowl paint and flames appeared from the nose cowl. Fire services were called and the fire was extinguished.
9/2/2021	OCC2288	Wynyard Aerodrome	TAS	Alpi Aviation	Pioneer 300	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: At approximately 15 feet above ground level during landing th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: At approximately 15 feet above ground level during landing the aircraft suddenly pitched nose down resulting in the aircraft impacting the runway. The pilot immediately applied power to stabilise the aircraft and conducted a go-around during which they realised that the nose landing gear had separated from the airframe. The pilot continued to make a successful emergency landing, during which the main gear collapsed. There were no injuries and the aircraft is being assessed and repaired. Following review, RAAus believes that this occurrence likely occurred due to environmental factors during the landing phase of flight with insufficient time for the experienced pilot to respond. RAAus reminds members of the importance of considering environmental conditions at all times, particularly during takeoff and landing.
1/2/2021	OCC2284	Gympie Aerodrome	QLD	Austflight ULA	Drifter A-582	Rotax	912 UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A pilot and instructor were completing some recurrency traini...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A pilot and instructor were completing some recurrency training before undertaking a BFR. When carrying out a touch and go the pilot conducting allowed the aircraft to bounce approx. 4-5ft into the air whilst pulling back on the control stick. The Instructor took command of the aircraft and applied full power to execute a go-around. Due to the aft control stick position and the addition of full power the aircraft pitched up and stalled, impacting the ground left wing low. The left wheel strut broke off and lodged into the ground, rotating the aircraft to the left. The pilot and instructor were not injured and the aircraft (which has minor damage) was fixed immediately. RAAus Flight Operations Staff conduced an interview with the pilot and instructor and provided guidance on how to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
31/1/2021	OCC2273	Orange Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J160-C	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the landing phase with a student and instructor aboard...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During the landing phase with a student and instructor aboard, the aircraft veered left off the runway, potentially due to a crosswind, before coming to a stop after hitting a fence post. The student was not successful in applying sufficient rudder to prevent the aircraft leaving the runway and will undergo retraining. RAAus reminds members to maintain currency in all flight maneuvers and to set personal minimums before going flying.
31/1/2021	OCC2272	Tooradin Aerodrome	VIC	Fly Synthesis	Texan	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During landing the aircraft bounced slightly on touch down an...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During landing the aircraft bounced slightly on touch down and the student pushed the stick forward causing the nose wheel to strike the ground hard and collapse. The aircraft then veered left onto a parallel grass runway. The student has been provided with remedial training.
30/1/2021	OCC2271	Boort Aerodrome	VIC	Savannah	VG	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Lack of full engine power on take-off and failure of nose whe...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Lack of full engine power on take-off and failure of nose wheel resulted in the aircraft inverting. During an interview with the pilot a number of factors were identified. The pilot was not current, having not operated in a number of weeks, there was a crosswind present, the surface of the airfield was extremely rough and the pilot noted they did not apply full power on take-off. Due to the rough conditions of the airfield, damage may have occurred during previous flights to the nosewheel leg causing failure on take off. The aircraft has been destroyed and written off by the insurance company and the pilot will undertake remedial training prior to operating an aircraft.
30/1/2021	OCC2275	The Oaks airfield	NSW	Foxbat	AP22LS			OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: As part of a routine 100 hourly air frame inspection, the no...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: As part of a routine 100 hourly air frame inspection, the nose wheel pivot bolt was inspected IAW manufacturer’s "Nose wheel inspection recommendations" SB-A22LS-19, the pivot bolt was found to be freely rotating within the nose wheel strut but seized within the nose wheel Aluminium clevis. The decision was to remove the pivot bolt, fully clean the assembly, visually inspect the assembly, lubricate and reassemble as per recommendations. The removal of the pivot bolt proved to be problematic and required a cycling of heating and cooling coupled with copious of amounts of penetrating fluid and hand press before the pivot bolt started to move. During the extracting process the head of the pivot bolt began to rotate, however the threaded end of the bolt remained stationary, it was concluded the bolt as in a broken state most likely due the forces being applied the bolt to assist in removal. A visual inspection of the bolt showed what look like a fatigue failure which had not fully developed, with the total failure was most likely occurring during the removal process. Information including photos have been forwarded to the manufacturer for review and comment.
28/1/2021	OCC2276	Narrogin Aerodrome	WA	Rutan	Varieze	Continental	0-200A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During landing, the pilot lost control of the aircraft as a r...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During landing, the pilot lost control of the aircraft as a result of a wind change and collided with terrain, becoming inverted after collision with a nearby weather station. The aircraft was substantially damaged, the pilot sustained minor injuries and was trapped until rescuers could lift the aircraft up to open the canopy.
28/1/2021	OCC2281	Caboolture Aerodrome	QLD	Eurofox	2K			OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An aircraft was on mid-downwind when they heard a radio call ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An aircraft was on mid-downwind when they heard a radio call stating "Aircraft on final RWY 12 I have you sighted and I am directly above you." The pilot looked and observed 2 aircraft on short final, both approximately the same distance from the threshold with one higher than the other. Separation height difficult to judge but no immediate conflict. Shortly thereafter the pilot looked back at the final leg to note the higher aircraft in a side-slip descending toward the lower aircraft. The pilot immediately made a radio call to notify the aircraft. The aircraft ceased the side-slip and radioed they were going around. RAAus reminds members of the importance of alerted see and avoid and maintaining standard circuit procedures in order to prevent similar events from occurring.
28/1/2021	OCC2328	Caboolture Aerodrome	QLD	Aeropro	2K Eurofox	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An instructor was conducting circuits on runway 12 with a stu...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An instructor was conducting circuits on runway 12 with a student. On the previous circuit prior to the occurrence, a C172 joined the circuit (midfield). After carrying out a touch and go the training aircraft was following a Tecnam (low wing) who was conducting a very wide circuit (approx. 1.5nm from the airfield). The training aircraft communicated with the Tecnam and requested to overtake inside as this pattern would take them well beyond glide distance, very low on profile and over built-up residential areas (that are particularly noise sensitive). This overtake was carried out normally. The training aircraft conducted a normal approach and made further radio calls on the base leg after overtaking the Tecnam (low wing). On final, another Tecnam (high wing) advised that there were two aircraft in close proximity on the final approach. The instructor cleared the area laterally and manoeuvred for a missed approach. During the missed approach they looked back and noted a C172. Throughout this event there was no communication from the C172. RAAus reminds members of the importance of maintaining aircraft sequencing in the circuit to avoid loss of situational awareness and reduce the risk of collision.
27/1/2021	OCC2280	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: While operating from a Class D airport, the student departed ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: While operating from a Class D airport, the student departed to the training area on a solo training area flight, with no radio issues reported during departure. When inbound the student reported at the reporting point and tower advised to join final for 11C. The student was unable to hear the tower instructions after the first instruction to join final resulting in the student conducting a go around as they didn't hear clearance to land. The student conducted two circuits and then was contacted via text message to land on runway 11L as per tower instructions. Pilots are reminded of the requirement to test radio apparatus provided in CAR 242 242 Testing of radio apparatus (1) Before an aircraft is taxied on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome for the purpose of moving to the take‑off position, the pilot in command shall check that the radio apparatus fitted to the aircraft and to be used in flight is functioning correctly. (2) If the check indicates any malfunctioning of any portion of the radio apparatus the pilot in command must not fly the aircraft until the apparatus has been certified by a person licensed or approved for the purpose as being in proper working order. (3) An offence against subregulation (1) or (2) is an offence of strict liability. Pilots are reminded of the importance of correct failed radio procedures in controlled airspace including the use of light signals by the tower. CASA Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG) https://vfrg.casa.gov.au/resources/quick-reference/light-signals/ The student’s headset (which was second time it had been used by the student was secondhand and over 20 years old) was determined to have a faulty plug. For the future, the FTS will ensure only school headsets are used and is planning a briefing for all instructors and students on tower light signals and radio failure procedures. For more reading refer to CASA VFRG https://vfrg.casa.gov.au/emergency-procedures/communication-failure/procedures/
27/1/2021	OCC2277	Adelaide	SA	Jabiru	J230C			OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Right side seat moved back causing damage to right hand aile...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Right side seat moved back causing damage to right hand aileron attachment. OUTCOME: Aircraft repaired and returned to service.
24/1/2021	OCC2268	Frogs Hollow Aerodrome	NSW	Aerochute Industries	Hummerchute	Rotax	582	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The powered parachute was laid out and ready, departure call ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The powered parachute was laid out and ready, departure call made and engine started. The aircraft started rolling and the parachute deployed successfully, however take-off speed was not achieved and the aircraft suddenly veered to the right and impacted a star picket support on a fence at the side of the runway. RAAus review determined no mechanical factors were present with loss of control in the take off phase possibly contributed to by local low level meteorological affects.