Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
21/9/2020	OCC2130	Jacobs Well Aerodrome	QLD	EDRA Aeronautica	Super Petrel LS	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After fitting a new experimental propeller and IFA system a n...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After fitting a new experimental propeller and IFA system a number of ground runs and several cancelled take-off runs appeared to prove the system operational and ready for flight. Take-off and initial climb out was normal to 250 feet at 65 knots with IFA prop control set to 5400 in AUTO setting which maintains RPM thru pitch adjustment regardless of throttle setting. At 250 the engine RPM started to increase to 6000. Throttled back and the aircraft started to slow down dramatically, attempted to adjust pitch control in MANUAL setting did not improve airspeed, immediately pitched nose down to maintain glide but steeper than usual angle required to maintain flying sped best speed attained was 50 knots. Propeller control was then set to manual override in EMERGENCY setting, however it was determined that height and airspeed were decaying rapidly and opted to alight aircraft on a lake of nearby sand mine that was to the right of runway centre line. Selected wheels up and flew aircraft at 50 knots with full power the final 300 meters horizontal distance and touched down on the shoreline of a lake which was thick mud and skidded into deep water. Review identified installation directions were not followed appropriately at the time of installation causing the failure. Maintainers are reminded of the importance of following maintenance instructions at all times in order to avoid similar occurrences.
19/9/2020	OCC2123	Biddaddaba	QLD	Morgan Aeroworks	Cheetah Sierra 100	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A pilot was flying their new aircraft for the first time and ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A pilot was flying their new aircraft for the first time and stalled during the flare, damaging the aircraft nose wheel and propeller. The pilot had previously undergone type training on the aircraft type but hadn't flow one for many years. A different type of throttle system was found to be a contributing factor with the pilot not able to apply power when required due to a lack of familiarity with the system. RAAus reminds members to undergo type training on aircraft and remain current in the aircraft to help prevent similar occurrences.
18/9/2020	OCC2122	Bendigo Aerodrome	VIC	Tecnam	P92	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A student on a supervised solo was on base leg when two aircr...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A student on a supervised solo was on base leg when two aircraft entered Runway 17, one backtracked and the second departed from the intersection. The first aircraft was at the threshold for runway 17 waiting for the aircraft departing from the intersection to clear. The student landed on the runway well clear of the threshold.
17/9/2020	OCC2120	Gatton Airpark	QLD	Airborne	XT912	Rotax	912	Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police in determinin...
Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police in determining the causal factors that led to the accident.
16/9/2020	OCC2125	Corryong	VIC	Kappa	Kp 2u Sova (Sabre) Rvx	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Failing in such a way as to reduce fuel flow on RPM ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Failing in such a way as to reduce fuel flow on RPM over 5200. The fuel pressure gauge could be seen to fall away to near zero flow on Static engine tests before drifting around lost some times getting close to normal on RPM speeds below 4000 RPM. However as long as less than 5000 RPM is maintained the engine runs smooth. The magnetos can be checked as the aircraft starts to roll down the runway but the engine starts to drop out as full power is reached and are ready to rotate and lift off. Pulling back the power has the engine behaving at lower RPM and taxi off. The initial take-off attempt and testing where done with the electric secondary pump on. The static run up tests without the electric pump showed more issues. After shutting down the motor fuel pressure dropped of quick. Same after electric fuel pump was switched off.
16/9/2020	OCC2124	Northam Aerodrome	WA	Australian Lightwing	SP 2000S	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The flight was dual flight training with the student doing th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The flight was dual flight training with the student doing the flying and radio calls. They conducted all required radio calls, specifically turning downwind and final. During that lesson a Cessna 172 joined the circuit and was conducting operations in the circuit. The operations were conducted normally with sufficient separation, with the 172 being consistently sequenced number 2 to the Lightwing. On the 3rd circuit the instructor heard the 172 call turning downwind while the Lightwing was approx. mid downwind, they did not hear any other communication. During the Lightwings turn downwind to base and in a descent, the instructor spotted the 172 from under their left wing mid turn in front of them (they were slightly above, the 172 below, however they were descending down to the 172 height). The instructor took over the aircraft and de-conflicted from the 172. Separation was less than 100 meters horizontally, height was roughly the same as the 172. The instructor regained radio communication with the 172 and separation was maintained.
13/9/2020	OCC2152	Camden Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J120	Camit	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Returning from Tamworth, enroute to Wedderburn, just outside ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Returning from Tamworth, enroute to Wedderburn, just outside the Camden CTR at 4400ft. The engine coughed so the pilot (who was qualified to enter controlled airspace) requested clearance from Camden tower for immediate clearance to land. This was granted to RWY 06. The aircraft still had power so then proceeded to land and exited the runway on taxiway D under power. Just after the run up bays on or close to the apron the engine quit. The pilot was then assisted to the refuelling bay by pushing the aircraft. An inspection of the sight gauge indicated that there was no visible fuel. Investigation revealed the pilot was operating this aircraft based on published fuel usage figures and on a long navigation exercise for the first time. The fuel consumption during the flight was greater than expected. RAAus reminds members of the need to undergo type training when operating unfamiliar aircraft and the need for accurate fuel management and pro-active decision making when flight planning.
6/9/2020	OCC2117	Parilla	SA	Rans	S-4	Rotax	447UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had taken off from a farm airstrip and climbed t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had taken off from a farm airstrip and climbed to 1500ft AGL. Approx. 10 km from take-off, a strong smell of burning rubber entered the cockpit. The pilot checked for source of smell and noticed the CHT starting to rise, so reduced power to idle and began glide back to the airfield. Free air circulation at idle stabilised the CHT at near normal. The pilot made an uneventful landing in a paddock, shut down and exited the aircraft. The aircraft was trailered home and the engine removed, stripped and inspected. Nil damage was evident except for an area of abrasive rust on 1/3 of the circumference of the cooling fan drive pulley.
4/9/2020	OCC2115	Mildura Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	LSA 55/3J	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An aircraft returning to Mildura from a local flight to the w...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: An aircraft returning to Mildura from a local flight to the west of the the field joined crosswind for runway 36 (right hand circuits required). Once adjacent to the downwind leg, instead of making a right turn to join downwind for RWY 36, the pilot made a left turn. This resulted in the aircraft operating head on to a Cessna that had departed on runway 36 and was on downwind. Both pilots took evasive action. Pilots are reminded of the importance of maintaining standard procedures at non-controlled airfields including maintaining regular radio calls and an active lookout at all times. CAAP 166 provides guidance material to pilots and the En-Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) provides required circuit procedures at Australian airports.
3/9/2020	OCC2139	Yakara Stn	QLD	Fly Synthesis	Wallaby 582	Rotax	582	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On approach to land in gusty conditions the pilot pulled back...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On approach to land in gusty conditions the pilot pulled back too hard during the flare and stalled the aircraft. The aircraft landed heavily where the nose wheel collapsed, the right wing struck the ground and the propeller hit the ground. The pilot was taken to hospital on precautionary measures and the passenger was uninjured. Investigation found that the pilot had completed 5 hours in the aircraft and this was the first time with a passenger. RAAus reminds members of the need to undergo type training in all normal and abnormal scenarios to ensure familiarity in all scenarios when flying new aircraft types.
31/8/2020	OCC2111	Sunshine Coast Aerodrome	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling LSA	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft experienced a flat tire on landing and was stuck on ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft experienced a flat tire on landing and was stuck on the runway for approximately 5 minutes while waiting for the Aerodrome Reporting Officer (ARO) to arrive and help move aircraft off runway. Members are reminded of the importance of conducting a thorough preflight inspection prior to operating.
29/8/2020	OCC2113	Heck Field Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	LSA 55	Jabiru	22J	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On final approach the wind was gusting and moving strongly. T...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On final approach the wind was gusting and moving strongly. The approach speed was kept faster than normal due to the conditions. The airspeed indicator was fluctuating rapidly between 60 and 70Kts. On round out just before the flare at approx. 6-8 feet off the ground the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and firmly impacted the runway, resulting in a broken nose wheel, propellor and minor lower cowl damage. The pilot noted several relevant factors, including operating an aircraft type he was not as familiar with which resulted in a lack of familiarity for the type and pressure to go flying from a friend. Flight Operations debriefed the pilot on the above points and pointed out the importance of type familiarisation in all scenarios, especially between different variants of the same make of aircraft.
29/8/2020	OCC2109	Dongara	WA	Dynaero	Ute	Rotax	914	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Pilot experienced a rapid increase in cylinder head temperatu...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Pilot experienced a rapid increase in cylinder head temperature to over limits. Power was reduced and cowl flaps opened. Commenced descent and made Pan call to Mel centre. Uneventful landing was conducted. Review identified that hoses were recently replaced as per service bulletin, however it appears one of the clamps was not fitted correctly resulting in coolant loss.
29/8/2020	OCC2110	Gingin	WA	Jabiru	J170C	Jabiru	J2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: 0.5 hours into the flight the pilot noticed an abnormal oil p...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: 0.5 hours into the flight the pilot noticed an abnormal oil pressure indication, showing off the scale HIGH pressure. Approximately 2min later the oil temperature started to drop, followed shortly after by an RPM drop. Power was added to recover the RPM drop and the engine vibrated, tried to stall then surged. The engine continued to run at the new power setting. The pilot conducted an uneventful landing. Review identified engine damage from number 1 cylinder.
29/8/2020	OCC2108	West Sale Aerodrome	VIC	Evektor	Sportstar Max	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was departing downwind at 1200 feet when the canopy...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was departing downwind at 1200 feet when the canopy opened. The aircraft started to descend and despite adding power and increasing angle of attack the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude. Attempts to close canopy failed. An emergency was declared on local CTAF and the aircraft was put down in a paddock east of the aerodrome. The aircraft touched down successfully but needed to be ground looped to avoid trees and fencing at the other end of the paddock. Review identified a manufacturer service bulletin was in place for modification of the canopy latch but had not been fitted. This has since been fitted to the aircraft. Maintainers are reminded of the importance of ensuring service bulletins are completed as per manufacturer requirements.