Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
3/5/2019	OCC1675	Caboolture Airport	QLD	Texan	Top Class 550	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: While moving the aircraft within the hangar, the nose...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: While moving the aircraft within the hangar, the nose wheel rotated 90 degrees. Upon investigation it was found that the steering plate at the top of the nose strut has corroded and broken completely around the mounting nut. Advisory Notice ADN/Flysynthesis/1 issued 10 May 2019.
1/5/2019	OCC1673	Lilydale Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	J160D	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: When taxiing south towards RWY 36L at low speed the right han...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: When taxiing south towards RWY 36L at low speed the right hand main landing gear collapsed and the nose of the aircraft veered towards the right. Bolt failure pictures reveal tensile fatigue failure, causal factors could be over torqued bolt, hard landing or overloaded aircraft ( operated above MTOW). Impossible to rule out a manufacturing defect in the metallurgy of the bolt however the most likely cause may have been a hard landing at some stage in the previous 280 hours since this bolt was installed.
1/5/2019	OCC1683	Lilydale Airport	VIC	Jabiru	J-160-D	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The right hand main landing gear leg inboard attach bolt was ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The right hand main landing gear leg inboard attach bolt was broken.
30/4/2019	OCC1671	Parkes Airport	NSW	Flight Design	CTMC	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Carrying out touch and go circuits with a trainee pil...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Carrying out touch and go circuits with a trainee pilot, the instructor noticed a shimmy in the nose wheel on consecutive take-off runs. Checks after the flight confirmed an undesirable "slop" was present in the nose wheel and the aircraft was referred to a local aircraft maintenance organisation for further investigation. Large cracks were discovered in two elements of the support structure for the nose-leg, and the aircraft was taken off-line pending repair or replacement of the part.
30/4/2019	OCC1670	Charleville	QLD	I C P	Savannah VG	Rotax	912 U L S	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Engine began to run rough at full throttle after initiating a...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Engine began to run rough at full throttle after initiating a climb. Reduction in throttle and application of boost pump seemed to stop rough running. Pilot performed a precautionary landing at a private airstrip after contacting Brisbane Centre and declaring a partial engine failure. Following a normal landing, ground running indicated no further issue. Cowls were removed and engine inspected visually with no apparent damage. Fuel was drained at header tank to test for presence of water, however none was found. Investigations with the authorised maintainer and the pilot have indicated no pre existing mechanical issues were likely to have contributed to the engine issues experienced by the pilot which required a precautionary landing to be undertaken. A review of environmental conditions and the operation of the aircraft in an extended descent to avoid cloud en route were significant contributing factors to a partial carburettor icing condition. The pilot has since conducted a full drain of the fuel system and tested the aircraft without any further engine issues. This incident also revealed a number of non contributing elements worthy of awareness for all pilots including adopting an accurate flight notification process and ensuring BFR compliance has been notified and recorded by RAAus when completed by an alternate means.
30/4/2019	OCC1672	Clifton Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	J160 C	Jabiru	2200 A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting circuit training on RWY06, the Jabiru was o...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting circuit training on RWY06, the Jabiru was on climb out and turning onto crosswind at 2100ft (600ft AGL) when a Cessna 170 aircraft announced they were on base for RWY24 at 2200 feet (700ft AGL), their broadcast did not indicate the airfield. The Jabiru pilot requested they identify the airfield and they responded with "Clifton" to which the Jabiru advised that they were on climb out. The pilot of the Cessna 170 subsequently dived under the Jabiru 24-4498. Neither aircraft had seen each other at this point. The pilot of the Jabiru now observed the Cessna on left downwind for RWY 06 and further radio communication ensured the Cessna pilot complied with a circuit join for a right downwind to 06. During a later discussion, the pilot of the Cessna said they were on the wrong frequency until Brisbane Centre had informed them of the incorrect frequency when they were established in the circuit.
27/4/2019	OCC1667	Brooklands Airpark Aerodrome	SA	Monnett	Sonerai II-L	Aeropower	VW 122	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot of a Sonerai had called taxiing to the active RWY 3...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot of a Sonerai had called taxiing to the active RWY 36, and requested a radio check (as is standard at Murray Bridge) and no call was returned so the pilot assumed there was no one in the area and no aircraft were visible. The Sonerai lined up on 36 after a quick visual check, called rolling on 36 and started down the RWY. Part way down the pilot of the Sonerai sighted a Jabiru on opposite final (as there was no wind this was an acceptable direction as well) and had aborted the landing on spotting their aircraft. On sighting, the pilot of the Sonerai moved to the side of the RWY and then merged off onto the taxi way back to the hangar to inspect radio. The pilot called for a radio check to the Jabiru but got no response. The pilot of the Sonerai spoke to the other pilot when they had completed a go around and landed and they confirmed neither had heard the other. On inspection of the Sonerai radio system (as the Jabiru pilot said theirs had been working), it was found the frequency had been set incorrectly to 127.6 instead of 126.7 and so the Sonerai was operating on the wrong frequency. RAAus has noted the potential for conflict at Murray Bridge prior to this report. Pilots are required to ensure the radio is serviceable and working correctly prior to operating the aircraft, however at smaller airports there are often no other aircraft to confirm radio operation with. The pilot is also to be commended for reporting this event. CAAP 166-1(4) provides guidance material for pilots regarding confirmation of correct radio operations.
26/4/2019	OCC1668	Drake Village	NSW	Atec	321 Faeta NG	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was landing on the driveway of a property with owne...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot was landing on the driveway of a property with owner’s consent. The location is a popular landing site in the area known to a flying group. Numerous aircraft had landed at the location on the day including an RV4 who was flying in company with the Faeta which landed immediately prior to the accident. The touchdown and roll out for the accident aircraft was normal for those conditions and the pilot used brakes to slow the aircraft. The aircraft suddenly yawed violently to the right and the left wing tip impacted the ground. The sharp turn also resulted in the nose wheel being bent at 90 degrees to the right at this time. The left wing hitting the ground yawed the aircraft back to the original direction of travel and the prop struck the ground while the engine was at full idle. This stopped the engine and the propeller lost approx. 150mm of each of the 2 prop tips. The pilot isolated all circuit breakers and exited the aircraft in the usual manner. The investigation focused on the environmental, operational and decision making elements relating to the accident as no preexisting or contributing mechanical factors were identified. It was determined that due to the unimproved nature of the landing area, all hazards relating to the landing surface were not fully identified prior to landing, despite relayed information confirming the surface suitability.The suitability of the aircraft type for these "off airport" operations was also discussed with the pilot. Pilots are reminded to review CAAP 92.1 guidance material in relation to landing areas and irrespective of permissions or advice from other pilots, consider all risks and possible consequences of choosing to operate in these areas. Considerations include, but are not limited to pilot skill, aircraft type and performance and likely unidentified hazards that may exist.
25/4/2019	OCC1665	Cowra Aerodrome	NSW	Brumby	LSA R610	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was landing on R21 grass at CWR when a flock of ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was landing on R21 grass at CWR when a flock of Galahs were feeding in the grass. Entering the flare, they arose into flight path. One impacted on prop blade No 2 and one impacted on right wing tip. 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.
21/4/2019	OCC1666	Dingo	QLD	Zenith Aircraft	STOL CH 701	Rotax	912 U L S	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Just on take-off, the rod system from the flapperons jammed. ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Just on take-off, the rod system from the flapperons jammed. The left hand wing was down and the pilot could not bring it up. The LH wing hit some timber next to RWY and the aircraft nosed into the ground, cartwheeled and ended upside down.
21/4/2019	OCC1695	Biggerden	QLD	Savannah	VG	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed on a private grass strip. When on roll ou...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed on a private grass strip. When on roll out the front wheel struck a large rock partly dislocated by slasher resulting in the front landing gear folding back allowing the prop to strike the ground. For future operations, the strip will be inspected after slashing to ensure no obstacles exist.
19/4/2019	OCC1664	Forest Hill Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J120C	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After take-off at 700ft AGL a left turn was initiated. Immed...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After take-off at 700ft AGL a left turn was initiated. Immediately, there was a toxic smell and smoke in the cockpit. At this moment, with the aircraft needing to dump about 800feet of height NOW!!, The throttle was cut, the turn was pulled tight, full 'top rudder' was applied and the fuel shut-off valve was closed. A diving full slip was carried out, toward the general direction of the departure RWY strip. This was performed at a speed well above normal approach speed, in an attempt to land as quickly as possible. At or before the half way point of the approach, it became difficult to breathe and see due to smoke and flames. The aircraft was rounded out and forced onto the ground at high speed. After heavy braking, the aircraft came to rest on the centre line, facing 320 degrees, at right angles to the RWY direction, about half way along the RWY. The pilot and PAX disembarked the aircraft via the port door. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. Suspected cause was a leakage from the fuel delivery system, within the engine bay.
18/4/2019	OCC1674	Lilydale Airport	VIC	JABIRU	J-160-D	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Cylinder # 1 Head cracked
14/4/2019	OCC1658	Cunnamulla	QLD	Foxbat	A22LS	Rotax	912 ULS	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. The Corner has dispensed with an inquest for this accident. The Coroner found that the pilot died from injuries as a result of a near vertical aircraft crash, when the light aircraft stalled at low height from which it was impossible to recover. Human factors may have contributed to the accident.
14/4/2019	OCC1659	Bathurst Aerodrome	NSW	BRM Aero	Bristell LSA	Jabiru	3300	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was started and taxied with the tow bar still in...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft was started and taxied with the tow bar still in place. When the tow bar disconnected from the nose wheel it impacted on the lower part of the fuselage making some minor damage on the aircraft. The CFI has now implemented a check list item to ensure a physical check of the aircraft for this item is conducted prior to entry into the cockpit.