Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
11/1/2021	OCC2243	Kiama	NSW	Pipistrel	Alpha	Rotax	912 UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Pilot with passenger cruising near Kiama at approx.1000 feet ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Pilot with passenger cruising near Kiama at approx.1000 feet in Pipistrel Alpha when the pilot's door opened in flight. The door slammed up against the wing with the rear part of door latched in the open position (by design) and front section of door folded down causing increased drag and controllability issues. The pilot issued a Mayday call and subsequently made a safe landing at Shellharbour Airport. Review of this occurrence determined that it is possible that the passenger inadvertently knocked the door latch causing it to open in flight. The manufacturer has been notified of this occurrence and it is not believed that there is any ongoing safety of flight issue in relation to the design. Members are reminded of the importance of ensuring passengers are appropriately briefed on aircraft design features, including door latches, to ensure they avoid interfering with aircraft systems in flight.
9/1/2021	OCC2253	Maryborough Aerodrome	QLD	Howard Hughes Engineering	LightWing GR-532	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was landing in their tailwheel aircraft on a bitume...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was landing in their tailwheel aircraft on a bitumen runway in light winds. The aircraft bounced before completing an uncontrolled 180 degree turn. The aircraft wingtip grazed the ground and a small scratch was subsequently evident. The pilot has since changed their procedure for landing and now opts to land on the grass. Mentoring was conducted by Flight Operations staff in areas such as decision making and personal minimums.
8/1/2021	OCC2242	Brooklands Aerodrome	SA	Airborne	Edge XT 582-L	Rotax	582 UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A low time pilot flew to an unfamiliar airport on a day when ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A low time pilot flew to an unfamiliar airport on a day when the weather was turbulent. Turbulence on final approach resulted in a hard landing which damaged the nose wheel. The pilot was mentored by RAAus Flight Operations staff. RAAus members are reminded to ensure a stable approach is achieved and if in any doubt, conduct a go around. The use of a personal minimums checklist is also invaluable when deciding to fly in less than perfect weather.
4/1/2021	OCC2238	Bundaberg	QLD	Jabiru	SP470	Camit	CAE 2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The hinge pin had frozen in the hinge tabs. The pilot of a ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The hinge pin had frozen in the hinge tabs. The pilot of a Jabiru SP470 was conducting a full free and movement when the control stuck, on checking, the pilot found the right hand aileron hanging down, and the complete hinge had broken off. CASA have issued an airworthiness notice to address this issue as this is a commonly identified defect. Members are reminded of the importance in reviewing and carrying out airworthiness notices applicable to their aircraft.
4/1/2021	OCC2260	Ballina	NSW	Tecnam	P2002 Sierra MKII	Rotax	912 ULS2-01	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A Cessna 172 did not make the mandatory broadcasts while tran...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A Cessna 172 did not make the mandatory broadcasts while transiting the Ballina CTAF and was unable to be contacted via radio. This resulted in separation issues with a Tecnam P2002 operating in the area. The Ballina Certified Air/Ground Radio Operator (CAGRO) was aware of this aircraft and notified the pilot of the Tecnam who was able to visually identify and take action to avoid a near miss occurring. Members are reminded of the importance of thorough pre-flight planning to ensure they are operating on the appropriate radio frequencies as well as knowing their requirements for radio use. Pilots must ensure they apply alerted see and avoid principles when operating under visual flight rules (VFR).
3/1/2021	OCC2241	Ballina / Byron regional Aerodrome	NSW	Airborne	XT 912	Rotax	912UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The incident occurred on initial climb while climbing at an a...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The incident occurred on initial climb while climbing at an altitude of 500ft. The engine experienced significant and sudden power loss and climb had to be aborted. The aircraft was levelled, glide was initiated and a broadcast was made on the local CTAF frequency indicating that the aircraft would turn back for landing due to power loss of the engine. The aircraft was landed at glide speed well above stall speed without any difficulties with the engine at idle. Investigation into the possible cause of the power loss identified likely spark plug failure. However, the spark plugs showed no signs of wear, fault or unusual colouring. The entire set was replaced and there has been no recurrence of the fault.
2/1/2021	OCC2240	Wedderburn Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J230D	Camit	335 LRE	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was conducting circuits on 17 and on the third cir...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was conducting circuits on 17 and on the third circuit the engine totally failed just after turning crosswind. The pilot was able to land the aircraft uneventfully. On inspection, it was found that the piston in number 5 cylinder had disintegrated.
31/12/2020	OCC2237	Gingin North Aerodrome	WA	Jabiru	J170C	Jabiru	J2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst practising forced landing simulations overhead Gingin...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst practising forced landing simulations overhead Gingin North ALA, the engine was run at idle power for a considerable time, with short increases of power to 1800 RPM to clear the engine. When the pilot went to increase power to abort the simulation, the engine ran rough. The pilot elected to land on the runway at Gingin North ALA. The engine was inspected and it was determined that the spark plug on one cylinder has fouled. The spark plugs were replaced, the engine tested and the aircraft was flown back to its home airport of Muchea Greenside (YGSD), a distance of 16NM.
30/12/2020	OCC2235	Karakin	WA	Thruster Aircraft	Gemini	Rotax	503 DC DI	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was reportedly conducting ground strip runs, howeve...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was reportedly conducting ground strip runs, however on one of the runs the aircraft became airborne and climbed and then lost control. RAAus determined the pilot did not hold current RAAus membership, was not appropriately endorsed for the type of aircraft, his BFR was overdue and the aircraft was not registered. His Pilot Certificate has been suspended pending further actions to be taken by the pilot.
30/12/2020	OCC2244	Emkaytee Aerodrome	NT	Aeroprakt	A22 Foxbat	Rotax	912 ULC	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Separation of the seam of a fabric join on the top of the sta...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Separation of the seam of a fabric join on the top of the starboard wing during the flight.
29/12/2020	OCC2234	Wagga Wagga	NSW	I C P	Savannah VG	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had last been flown on 7/11/2020 without inciden...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had last been flown on 7/11/2020 without incident, because of this period of inactivity the aircraft was checked and the motor was ground run on 28/12/2020. No abnormalities were noted. On 29/12/2020 the aircraft was pre-flight checked and taxied to the eastern end of a 09/27 landing strip on a rural property. Pre take-off checks were carried out and the motor warmed to the required temperature, (i.e. in excess of 50 deg. oil temp.) Run-up and ignition checks were carried out at 4000 rpm and carb. heat applied. The motor appeared normal in all respects. Take-off roll and lift off appeared normal as did initial climb. At approx. 250 ft. AGL and at 50kts IAS the motor began vibrating. The pilot simultaneously reduced power to idle and lowered the nose. The vibration ceased and the aircraft handled normally. The pilot then gradually increased power and at approx. 3000 RPM the vibration re-commenced. They again reduced power and prepared for an emergency landing. A successful landing was made back at the landing strip where the aircraft departed. During review of this occurrence the carburettor was cleaned and inspected with no defects evident. It was identified that the most likely cause of the vibration was due to carburettor icing or fuel contamination.
27/12/2020	OCC2232	Maryborough Aerodrome	QLD	IBIS	Magic GS-700	Rotax	912S	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On take-off roll runway 17 at about 150m from threshold 2 bla...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On take-off roll runway 17 at about 150m from threshold 2 black kites were sitting on centreline of runway. They took off towards the West then 1 doubled back and struck the aircraft on right hand side before rotation. Take-off was rejected and the aircraft taxied back to hangar. No aircraft damage detected but blood on right hand engine cowling, windscreen and right wing near fuselage. On subsequent flight bird carcass seen on runway 17, 150m from threshold and reported to local ARO. 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.
20/12/2020	OCC2233	Boggabri	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22L Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After landing on private gravel airstrip, the left wheel sunk...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After landing on private gravel airstrip, the left wheel sunk into soft dirt (previous rain) causing aircraft to veer left. The pilot corrected with right rudder which then made the nose wheel dig into the soft ground causing nose wheel to give way.
20/12/2020	OCC2229	Bendigo Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was returning to the airport after a navigation fl...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was returning to the airport after a navigation flight and gave a 10 mile inbound call. The AWIS was indicating 6 knots from 350 degrees variable from 330 to 010. The pilot gave a joining call on crosswind midfield for runway 35 and then a base call for 35 for a full stop. The pilot then heard a VH registered aircraft (Mooney) make an entering and backtracking call for runway 17. The RAAus pilot then made a turning final on 35 call and asked the VH aircraft on the runway their intentions. No response to the RAAus pilot was provided and the next call was "Mooney lining up on 17 ". the RAAus pilot gave a call stating they were on short final and commencing a go around. The Mooney pilot responded requesting where the RAAus pilot was, to which the RAAus pilot responded “above you” and passed overhead the Mooney at about 500ft. The Mooney then proceeded to take off and the RAAus pilot continued their circuit and landed safely. About an hour later the Mooney returned to Bendigo. Both pilots discussed the incident, the Mooney pilot was apologetic for the error. RAAus reminds all pilots to refer to CAAP 166-1(4) for recommended "alerted see and avoid" radio calls and procedures and encourages pilots to interact as these pilots have in the event of a conflict. Proximity events are a hazard at non-controlled airports and a high degree of situational awareness is required.
19/12/2020	OCC2230	Maryborough Aerodrome	VIC	Ekolot	KR030 Topaz	Rotax	912IS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Damaged main landing gear leg on landing. Determined outco...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Damaged main landing gear leg on landing. Determined outcome: Damage due to hard landing.