Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
18/6/2020	OCC2049	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J170-D	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Touchdown on RW29R was normal, but during the rollout, the ai...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Touchdown on RW29R was normal, but during the rollout, the aircraft tended to veer to the left. When moderate braking was applied, and Aircraft tracking corrected, the Brake lever went completely slack and Braking action was lost completely. After exiting the runway, there was a tendency to track to the left and i felt that the left brake was dragging however i was able to taxi back to the hangar under power without assistance.
16/6/2020	OCC2119	Mallacoota	VIC	FK Lightplanes	FK9 WB	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The electric elevator trim control appeared to be not working...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The electric elevator trim control appeared to be not working or very slow in flight. The trim position indicator on the Garmin G3X display confirmed little movement of the elevator. The elevator on this aircraft is a flying surface, there is no trim tab fitted. Subsequent ground inspection showed that when the stick mounted trim button was operated, there was no movement in the elevator when any force was exerted on the stick. If the stick was not loaded (no force applied) the trim button did move the elevator very slowly. A flight test was conducted which again confirmed the original observation. During the test, the Garmin Autopilot was engaged. The Flight Display showed TRIM UP & TRIM DOWN flags at various times in the flight, operating the trim control did not cause the pitch to change or the flag to be removed.
14/6/2020	OCC2072	Balingup	WA	Skyfox	CA22	Rotax	912A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed successfully on a private strip, however ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed successfully on a private strip, however during landing roll the propellor made contact with a sheep fence at approx. 20-30kmph. RAAus investigations determined the pilot was not a current member, had not completed a BFR and the aircraft was not registered at the time of the flight. The pilot was aware of these non-compliances, yet continued with the flight regardless. He has now been suspended pending completion of requirements to address the non-compliances. Members are reminded there may be serious consequences to operating outside the RAAus Flight Operations and Technical Manuals, including insurance implications, disciplinary action by RAAus and CASA and potential convictions as a result of breaches of the Civil Aviation Act (1988).
13/6/2020	OCC2046	Yarram	VIC	Zenith	Zodiac CH 601 HD	Subaru	EA81	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft departed Yarram airport and headed to the south ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft departed Yarram airport and headed to the south east of the field. Upon reaching the coast it was noticed that engine coolant was coming out from the engine cowling and dripping onto the dashboard, the pilot turned the aircraft around to head back to the airport. Shortly after turning back smoke started to fill the cockpit so the pilot called Yarram’s frequency to advise aircraft was experiencing engine troubles and was intending to return to the airport. As more smoke filled the cockpit the pilot opened the latch to their side of the canopy in an attempt to let some of the smoke out, it helped however visibility was still impaired. When the aircraft was approx. 2 miles from the strip the engine started to seize and had no power. The passenger (also a pilot) attempted to land the aircraft in a clearing in front of them, as the pilot could not see clearly due to fogged glasses. Just before the clearing they saw a glimpse of the tree canopy through the smoke and realised that we were not going to make it. The aircraft then made contact with and remained suspended in trees approx. 7m above the ground. One occupant fell to the ground and the other managed to climb safely to the ground. During the review it was not possible to determine the cause of the failure. Pilots are reminded to consider a precautionary landing rather than trying to press on to an airport when experiencing technical issues.
10/6/2020	OCC2038	Aldinga Aerodrome	SA	Evektor	Harmony	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A solo student landed on runway 03 and turned around to backt...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A solo student landed on runway 03 and turned around to backtrack. Another aircraft was on final approach to runway 03. A pilot in another aircraft in the circuit called over the radio for the aircraft on final to go around but the aircraft was committed to land and the pilot determined there was insufficient runway to safely complete a go around. The aircraft continued to land on the occupied runway and vacated the runway well clear of the solo student. No backtracking call was made by the solo student and during a debrief it was acknowledged the pilot of the second aircraft would consider a go around in similar circumstances if sufficient runway remained to safely do so. Pilots are reminded of the importance of ensuring a runway is clear prior to landing as outlined in CAR166 and conducting a go around if the runway is not clear.
9/6/2020	OCC2034	Sunshine Coast	QLD	Tecnam	P2002 JF	Rotax	912 - S - 2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft inadvertently penetrated controlled airspace. Th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft inadvertently penetrated controlled airspace. The pilot acknowledged the use of out of date charts and will ensure for any future flights current information is accessed as part of the planning phase. Pilots are reminded of the importance of maintaining up to date charts as well as thorough pre-flight planning to remain clear of controlled airspace.
9/6/2020	OCC2042	Redcliffe Aerodrome	QLD	Tecnam	P92 Eaglet	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A dual instructional flight was returning from the Bribie Isl...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A dual instructional flight was returning from the Bribie Island training area and overhead Beachmere the student made a reporting call, as per protocol reporting position and intentions, when they heard another aircraft report to being in the same area and with the similar intentions. Not having this aircraft visual they requested more location information, which the pilot of the VH registered aircraft supplied and visual contact was then made and confirmed by both aircraft. As the Tecnam approached YRED they had lost visual of the VH aircraft and continued their overhead approach for runway 25, as this runway is a right hand circuit and requires all turns within the circuit area (3NM of the runway) to be right hand turns. The student reported their position as being overhead the field at 1500 ft and announced their intention was on descent to join crosswind for runway 25 and commenced a right hand descending turn to join crosswind at 1010 ft. About part way through the right hand descending turn the instructor and student observed the pilot of VH aircraft conducting a left hand turn and noted the two aircraft were on a collision course. The Tecnam took immediate avoiding action to prevent a collision between the two aircraft. The Tecnam continued their descent and joined midfield downwind, landing without further incident. During the review, this information was forwarded to CASA for review as this involved a VH registered aircraft. Pilots are reminded of the importance of maintaining standard procedures when operating at uncontrolled aerodromes as well as maintaining active radio calls in order to build a picture of the location and intentions of other traffic in the area. A good lookout must always be maintained to avoid the risk of a near miss occurrence.
6/6/2020	OCC2033	Serpentine Aerodrome	WA	Kolb	Xtra Mark III	Rotax	912S	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was test flying the kit built aircraft, the first t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was test flying the kit built aircraft, the first touch and go was completed without incident on a sealed runway. The second circuit was completed with a touch and go on the grass runway. After applying power and climbing everything was normal until around 175ft above ground when significant rudder aerodynamic flutter began. With airspeed at 80mph the nose was pushed forward while reducing power the rudder pedals were oscillating severely and could not be contained. The pilot momentarily removed their feet from the rudder pedals to see if it would settle, the flutter continued. The stick was stable with no vibration. The engine was cut to idle the rudder flutter continued. The rear of the aircraft was now vibrating the whole airframe and the pilot chose to push the plane back onto the ground. Touching down at high speed approx. 125ft before the boundary fence, full brakes were applied and the pilot attempted to ground loop the aircraft to avoid or lessen the impact with the boundary fence. Approx. 20ft from the fence the left rudder pedal broke off under the high pressure of braking. The aircraft veered approx. 90 degrees to the right and impacted the corner section of the boundary fence. The nose impacted one of the three posts and the wing strut impacting the rail between the other two posts. The tail impacted the wire fence breaking the left stabiliser off the tubular boom and severely damaging the lower part of the rudder. The nose was crushed up to the pilots’ feet. On impact the throttle was advanced due to the inertia of the impact the pilot immediately reduced the power to idle and went through the shutdown procedures.
6/6/2020	OCC2041	Temora Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	160C	Camit	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: As the aircraft was turning to park, the left wingtip contact...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: As the aircraft was turning to park, the left wingtip contacted the aero clubs’ veranda pole. Members are reminded to maintain a constant lookout during ground handling and to ensure that aircraft are checked by an appropriate maintainer following occurrences of this nature.
5/6/2020	OCC2043	Redcliffe Aerodrome	QLD	Tecnam	P92 Eaglet	Rotax		OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst an instructor and student pilot were conducting pre-f...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst an instructor and student pilot were conducting pre-flight checks in the designated run-up area, they heard an incoming VH registered aircraft announce that they were going to execute a “Straight in approach” in Redcliffe aerodrome. The ERSA states in item 6 of the Noise Abatement section pertaining to YRED that “No straight in approaches are permitted at YRED”. This occurrence was submitted to CASA for follow-up. Members are reminded to review and follow appropriate aerodrome procedures prior to operation.
1/6/2020	OCC2048	Tumut Aerodrome	NSW	Two Seat Bi-plane	Barnstormer	Rotec	R2800	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was being test flown and had done approx. 4 hour...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was being test flown and had done approx. 4 hours at the time. It was at 1200ft and overhead the airfield at the time when the pilot felt a slight hiccup in the engine. The pilot managed return and land safely then taxi back to the hangar. Upon investigation it was found that the number 5 cylinder piston connecting rod had disintegrated into 5 separate pieces and done severe damage to the lower cylinder barrel and crank case.
28/5/2020	OCC2032	Caboolture	QLD	Flight Design	CTSW	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Ref to ROTAX 912ULS Cylinder Head MM Assembly Proce...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Ref to ROTAX 912ULS Cylinder Head MM Assembly Procedures. Collar CAP nuts found to be incorrectly fitted and (x2) seized onto M8 Stud. Cyl#3 (top right stud) and Cyl#4(top right stud) found to be affected. Cyl#3 capped nut freed from M8 stud with smart tap to wrench. Cyl#4 capped nut remains seized to M8 stud. M8 Stud rotates 3mm either way with collar nut and is unable to be loosened. (Top of capped nut had to be cut away to observe the stud and to inject penetrant). It appears that the Thread Sleeve M8 may be rotating inside the block. Observations: Collar CAP nuts have been fitted (in 2017) on top side cylinder head studs. (the capped cylinder head nuts should be inside the rocker cover). Logbook maintenance entry (2017) indicates nuts were tightened to 10Nm + 180 degree turn. Latest rev 912 MM indicates procedure as - 10Nm + 120 degrees. 'Optional' SI-912-025 2016 indicates procedure as - Step 3 - Loosen each M8 collar cap 360 degrees then tighten to 10Nm + 150 degrees. Engine reported to have been, and still is leaking oil.
27/5/2020	OCC2035	Tamworth Aerodrome	NSW	TL Ultralight	TL2000 Sting S4	Rotax	912IS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting and on the last circuit of a lesson based o...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting and on the last circuit of a lesson based on Circuit emergencies, the Warning caution lights for the Rotax 912IS Lane A and Lane B (ecu redundancy circuits) both started flashing and a warning appeared on the Dyson Skyview system instructing to land immediately. A quick scan revealed the number 1 Exhaust gas temperature was indicating 1200 degrees Celsius, a PAN was declared and an uneventful glide approach conducted without further incident. Fault finding revealed that the number 1 Exhaust gas temperature sensor had failed. Sensor replaced and nil defects identified.
26/5/2020	OCC2068	Echuca Aerodrome	VIC	Ekolot	Topaz KR-030	Rotax	912 iS2 Sport	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Coming in to land, the aircraft had touched down when the pi...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Coming in to land, the aircraft had touched down when the pilot felt a shimmy in the nose wheel. The pilot applied back pressure to lift the nose wheel off the ground for as long as possible. When the nose wheel touched down, the aircraft veered to the left. At this time the aircraft was travelling slow enough that they were able to apply the brakes and bring the aircraft to a complete stop. At this point the pilot didn't know that the nose wheel steering was completely lost and they attempted to turn the aircraft around and taxi off the runway. When the pilot realised this was not possible they turned the aircraft off, made a radio call advising another aircraft that was in the circuit of their intentions to get out of the aircraft and push it off the runway to the nearest taxi way, to which the other pilot acknowledged the call. Once this was completed, the pilot made a radio call advising they were clear of all runways.
25/5/2020	OCC2062	Lilydale Airport	VIC	Jabiru	160D	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Cylinder #4 Head cracked.