Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
19/5/2019	OCC1692	Tumbarumba	NSW	Airborne	XT912	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot had flown to a local airport and then to a private ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot had flown to a local airport and then to a private strip located nearby. He had operated into and out of this strip on previous occasions without incident. The pilot positioned the aircraft on the top of the hill and travelled in a north, north west direction where he has accelerated and commenced to attempt to take off. As the aircraft continued down the hill it did not appear to gain sufficient air speed and commenced a bouncing action. There were visible marks where the wheels appear to have been locked up and have slid in between bounces. The aircraft subsequently collided with a fence where the wire has become entangled in the propeller. The aircraft continued to travel down the hill towards a dam where it bounced across the dam and finally collided with the opposite side embankment. This caused the aircraft to come to a complete stop and caused significant damage. The pilot was entangled in the wreckage with the aircraft on top of him, but was extricated by passersby. The RAAus investigation focused on mechanical, environmental and operational elements. All of these elements were found to have contributed to this take off accident. Mechanical: Post accident investigation revealed a contaminated fuel filter, despite the aircraft operating at full power earlier in the day and being checked prior to take off. Reduced power delivery may have been a contributing factor.The aircraft was operated on RON 91 unleaded fuel in accordance with the engine and aircraft POH and prefiltered by the operator. Environmental: The take off area was dry short grass with a downhill gradient of 243 metres measured length, The aircraft POH requires a Take off Distance (TODR) of 247 metres at ISA & MTOW. Conditions on the day were significantly above ISA with the ambient temperature approximately 20 degrees Celsius and the strip elevation approximately 2900 feet AMSL. Airborne Windsports provide the following caution in the aircraft POH; CAUTION TAKE OFF AND LANDING DISTANCES MUST BE INCREASED BY 20% FOR EACH 1000 FEET OF ALTITUDE ABOVE SEA LEVEL. Despite the aircraft being operated below MTOW, air density and the possibility of local convective influences affecting wind are considered to be likely contributing factors to the aircraft's take off performance.. Operational: The pilot was qualified to operate the aircraft and was current on type. The pilot had previously landed and taken off from the location on occasions. No detected tail wind component was reported and the pilot was personally fit to fly. A normal take off was conducted with the bar held at the compression strut until lift off. The pilot had not pre briefed a take off rejection point in his threat and error decision making and had an expectation that take off performance would be appropriate despite the elevation and conditions on the day.The pilots decision making and pre planning relating to take off performance are also likely contributing factors to this accident. The pilot debriefed the accidents contributing factors with his local CFI and has reviewed take off performance requirements and decision making with both the CFI and Operations.
19/5/2019	OCC1694	Boonah Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	J200-B	Jabiru	3300	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During final approach for a full stop landing the pilot recei...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During final approach for a full stop landing the pilot received a request via radio from the Gliding Club tug pilot requesting the landing point be shifted so the landing would not interfere with gliders parked on side of the RWY. The pilot immediately applied power, adjusted attitude and identified a new aim point as requested. The tug pilot broadcast a further request for the pilot to extend their landing later on the runway. This transmission was received at approx. 150' and the pilot again took Immediate action. The pilot then set up for landing, however this point of landing was now significantly further down the RWY than the pilot was used to and was adjacent a large clump of trees on the Eastern side of strip. Due to the crosswind from the East at approx. 50ft the aircraft encountered a serious downdraft caused by the trees. Power was immediately applied but the aircraft impacted the RWY from a height of approx. 20-25ft. The nose wheel collapsed and prop struck ground. Brakes and ailerons were applied to maintain the aircraft upright and stop it. The pilot advised he should have conducted a go-around. The tow pilot should not have requested the pilot to change their landing point and this has been referred to the Gliding Federation of Australia for further followup. RAAus has also investigated a possible amendment to the ERSA entry for the airport in question to alert pilots to potential wind shear issues.
19/5/2019	OCC1697	Warnervale Aerodrome	NSW	AIRBORNE	XT 912	Rotax	912UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During dual flight training no radio calls were heard from th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During dual flight training no radio calls were heard from the aircraft.
18/5/2019	OCC1703	Bathurst Aerodrome	NSW	BRM Aero	Bristell S-LSA	Rotax	912 ULS3	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: When joining the circuit for a full stop the pilot noticed th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: When joining the circuit for a full stop the pilot noticed that the pattern was busier than usual due to glider ops as stated by NOTAM. Approx. four aircraft were on the circuit for RWY26. After the pilot landed and was clear of all RWYs they noticed an VH registered aircraft was taxiing for a different RWY. Due to not having heard a call from that aircraft for taxiing the pilot tried to make contact with them without a response. The aircraft then proceeded to enter and back track RWY 35. The pilot tried to make contact for a second time, with the same result, they then broadcast to all aircraft on the circuit to be aware of the aircraft and that it was getting ready for departure on RWY 35. Another aircraft that was already establish on final approach for RWY 26 had to perform a go around for safety while the other aircraft departed with no one knowing their intentions. This has been referred to CASA for follow up with the pilot of the VH registered aircraft
17/5/2019	OCC1689	Swan Hill Aerodrome	VIC	Aeroprakt	A32 Vixxen	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On the fifth landing for the day, as the aircraft rolled down...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: On the fifth landing for the day, as the aircraft rolled down the RWY the pilot lightly applied the brakes to slow down and maintain rudder on centreline. Suddenly in the second half of the RWY the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and attempted to realign the aircraft when suddenly it veered sharply to the left towards the edge of the RWY. The pilot then applied right rudder and it traveled in the right direction. The rudder seemed to jam in that position. The aircraft was extremely difficult to steer but was traveling quite slowly so the pilot was able to get it back to centreline and was able to exit the RWY.
16/5/2019	OCC1688	Mildura Aerodrome	VIC	Brumby	LSA R610	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting circuit training, the VH registered Cessna ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting circuit training, the VH registered Cessna was on downwind when a Brumby was seen in front of it, reported as less than 10m away. A few seconds later a call was heard from the Brumby advising that it was joining base for a full stop runway 09. The Cessna radioed that it was late downwind in the circuit and advised of the near miss with no response from the Brumby. The Cessna conducted a go around with no further issues. The incident was investigated by RAAus and the operators of both aircraft were interviewed. A review of appropriate radio calls and the use of the preferred overhead joining sequence to enhance separation was discussed with both operators to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. CAAP 166(1)-4 is the recommended reference material from CASA for procedures and calls at non-towered aerodromes.
16/5/2019	OCC1698	Lilydale Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	J160	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had been assessed as in airworthy condition. The...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft had been assessed as in airworthy condition. The front nose wheel was inspected prior to start up and nothing unusual was noticed. The aircraft was flown previously by a student, doing touch and go’s, and hadn’t been through any hard landings. After taxiing to southern end of the field and after TEMPFISCH checks/Run Up checks, the plane was taxied towards the beginning of the runway where the nose oleo leg failed without any prior symptoms. . Estimated speed at impact was a walking pace so no injuries were sustained. The propeller had hit the ground and had come to a stop in a diagonal position no longer touching the ground. The aircraft systems were shut off including the fuel cut off valve and the aircraft was evacuated. It was found that the lower nose bungee attach fitting bolt was missing, either failed and fell out or the nut had detached and the bolt worked its way out.
15/5/2019	OCC1699	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The instructor was conducting a circuit emergency lesson for ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The instructor was conducting a circuit emergency lesson for aborted take-off practice. An aborted take-off was carried out which overheated the brakes once the ops were complete. A request clearance to vacate the RWY was made to ATC and the aircraft was advised to hold short of the crossing RWY. The aircraft was unable to come to a stop before the nose crossed the runway holding point due to the overheated brakes reducing braking effectiveness even with full brakes applied. Braking capacity was exceeded due to overheat. There was not enough time allowed to cool down to be effective prior to the incident.
15/5/2019	OCC1735	Jandakot Aerodrome	WA	Evektor	SportStar Plus	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was cleared for take-off from RWY 06L for a Frem...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was cleared for take-off from RWY 06L for a Fremantle departure, the pilot applied full power and started the ground roll. During the take off roll, the pilot heard a broken transmission, in which they recognised their call sign but not the complete message. The pilot continued to focus on the departure instruments and establishing a positive climb while maintaining a lookout on the circuit area. At about 500 AGL, as the pilot initiated left climbing turn into the crosswind and made a call to Jandakot tower, requesting a repeat of the last message. ATC advised on traffic and requested to widen out. The pilot sighted the traffic on what appeared to be the downwind leg for RWY 06L at a higher altitude and advised ATC accordingly. This was followed by an immediate instruction to underfly another aircraft. The pilot levelled off at about 800ft AMSL and proceeded on track for Murdoch University. Once clear of other traffic, the pilot re-established climb to 1000 AMSL.
14/5/2019	OCC1719	Wangaratta	VIC	Aeropro	3K Eurofox	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The muffler baffles were found to be disintegrating o...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The muffler baffles were found to be disintegrating on the aircraft. New baffles have been fitted. The manufacturer has been notified of the products TTIS.
12/5/2019	OCC1682	Bunbury Aerodrome	WA	Tecnam	P2002 Sierra	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A student on their second solo was conducting circuits with t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A student on their second solo was conducting circuits with the instructor was observing. On the fourth circuit, during the take-off, the instructor noted that the aircraft veered sharply to the left while still on the ground before it became airborne. The student appeared to attempt to clear the trees however the left wing dropped as a result of clipping a fence post and landed in the trees, facing back towards the runway. A review of the accident was conducted by the flight school and RAAus. The supervising instructor has determined through debrief that the student pilot rushed the take off on this touch and go and disregarded the school procedure to reject take offs if not fully satisfied with control. Subsequent remedial training has been undertaken and the pilot is continuing training towards their certificate.
12/5/2019	OCC1686	Lilydale Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The student had successfully completed one circuit and landin...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The student had successfully completed one circuit and landing with one stage of flap, they had done so without any need for the instructor to come on the controls. The second landing (a touch and go) was flapless, the student had landed a little long. The grass RWY surface was a little rough and as the aircraft exceeded 60 knots, the student hadn’t rotated. Initially the instructor thought the student may have delayed rotation due to it being a flapless take-off and the instructor was concerned that the nose leg was being pounded. The instructor reached for the flap control and asked if the student required flap, the student responded by closing the throttle and saying that there was no aileron control. The instructor checked the control yolk which came away in their hand. The instructor aborted the take-off and rolled through the remaining RWY and taxied to the hangar. For defect response see Jabiru Service Bulletin JSB 042-1
11/5/2019	OCC1681	Archerfield Aerodrome	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912IS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: As the aircraft entered the runway the brakes were observed t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: As the aircraft entered the runway the brakes were observed to have failed. Brake fluid was observed leaking from the left side and the brake pad was also observed to be missing. Brake pad worn beyond limits
8/5/2019	OCC1685	Jacobs Well Aerodrome	QLD	Aeroprakt	Foxbat A22LS	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Upon completion of a flight and taxiing the aircraft to the p...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Upon completion of a flight and taxiing the aircraft to the parking area the nose leg partially collapsed. This occurred at a speed of approx. 5km per hour whilst the aircraft was under gentle braking and a meter or so from its intended destination. This occurred due to failure of a mounting bracket that attaches to the nose wheel fork and allows the bracket to pivot in a scissor action.
8/5/2019	OCC1678	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	Tecnam	P2008	Rotax	912ULS2-01	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The instructor misinterpreted the ATC clearance to line up to...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The instructor misinterpreted the ATC clearance to line up to include a clearance to take off. Contributing factors included expectation bias by the Instructor based on previous clearances for earlier flights on the same day along with fatigue and lapse in concentration. Training practices and revision of clearance phraseology have been reviewed and modified with the instructor and CFI of the school.