Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
15/8/2019	OCC1785	Bendigo Aerodrome	VIC	ICP SRL	Savannah S	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After 45 mins of local flight and circuits to improve skills,...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After 45 mins of local flight and circuits to improve skills, an engine failure on take-off was practiced at approx. 25ft above ground. The pilot was not able to maintain sufficient air speed. The lack of sufficient airspeed to maintain flight resulted in a heavy landing causing damage to undercarriage and underside of aircraft. A review was conducted by RAAus and the relevant factors for the accident were determined to be insufficient energy and airspeed margins at such low level when conducting engine failure simulations. No mechanical factors were identified however, pilots should remain vigilant about engine static idle settings to ensure they are sufficient to limit the likelihood of engine stoppage in low airspeed operations.
14/8/2019	OCC1779	Archerfield Aerodrome	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After a stall recovery, the engine was producing irregular vi...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: After a stall recovery, the engine was producing irregular vibrations and rough running above 4500rpm, The A/C was flown at slow cruise to YHEC for maintenance to inspect. It was found that the carburettor compensator diaphragm in the RH carburettor was ruptured.
13/8/2019	OCC1788	Bankstown Aerodrome	NSW	BRM Aero	Bristell S-LSA	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a solo check with a student pilot on landing the right...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a solo check with a student pilot on landing the right wing made contact with the runway and the instructor called for a go around.The event was observed by a runway inspector and the tower was advised of the incident. A subsequent landing was successfully completed and the flight was terminated at the towers request. A later inspection revealed the aircraft wing tip was damaged along with minor damage to the aileron. RAAus reviewed the Instructor responsibilities and intervention strategies with the school CFI and RAAus training resources were provided including "Control Management for Instructors" which is a presentation created for CFIs and Instructors. The CFI will incorporate these resources into development training for all instructors to reduce further training incidents.
7/8/2019	OCC1807	Wagga Wagga Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	j230	Jabiru	A3300	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot conducted a straight in approach which resulted in ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot conducted a straight in approach which resulted in conflict with existing traffic in the circuit.The decision to make a straight in approach was influenced by not being able to ascertain the intention of a RAAF aircraft that was upwind to the south of the field. The appropriate CTAF calls were made to identify any potential conflicts but the quality of the returned calls made building the appropriate situational awareness difficult. The pilots' fixation on the distant aircraft masked their awareness of other potential circuit conflicts The pilot later sighted a Piper Warrior on base off to their port side as they were on short final. The Warrior made a call stating their position which was acknowledged and the pilot confirmed that they had them sighted off the left wing. The straight in approach is the least preferred circuit join procedure at non towered aerodromes and this incident provides confirmation of the importance of pilots ensuring a clear situational picture is developed and evolves. During the investigation the pilot conceded that an overhead join would have allowed significantly more time to build a more complete picture of all circuit traffic thereby avoiding any potential conflicts. All pilots are urged to study and understand CAAP 166-01 (v 4.2) Feb 2019 and apply the highest level of risk mitigation to avoid the potential for incidents and potentially serious accidents.
3/8/2019	OCC1775	Caboolture Aerodrome	QLD	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst downwind the pilot observed a Piper Pawnee tow plane a...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst downwind the pilot observed a Piper Pawnee tow plane above them. The pilot then made a radio call to the tug saying that they were directly beneath them on downwind. No response was heard. The pilot made a full stop to discuss with their instructor. Review of this occurrence indicated that both pilots reported to make radio calls, however it is unknown why two-way communication was not established. The pilot of the tow plane was briefed to ensure they continue to see and avoid other aircraft when operating.
2/8/2019	OCC1773	Clifton Aerodrome	QLD	WB Drifter	WB	Rotax	582	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting a clearing turn at 4800ft (3300ft AGL) abou...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Whilst conducting a clearing turn at 4800ft (3300ft AGL) about 3 nm south of the Clifton airfield prior to a stalling exercise, a student observed a RAAF Hornet jet "pop out" from behind a cloud about 1 nm directly in front of the drifter and head straight towards them at the same height. The Hornet jet then commenced a descending turn to their right passing under the Drifter and to the side a short distance away. They did not respond to a radio call on the CTAF frequency. RAAus reminds pilots of the importance of "see and avoid" and prior to flight check NOTAMs for relevant flight information as military activities in designated danger areas occur regularly in many areas of Australia.
2/8/2019	OCC1772	Clifton Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	J160 C	Jabiru	2200 B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: At 150ft on climb out the engine began running rough and lost...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: At 150ft on climb out the engine began running rough and lost power. As paddocks were available a steady turn was initiated into wind whilst maintaining full power and just able to maintain height. As some power was still being delivered, the turn was continued whilst still over landable paddocks until a successful return onto RWY 24 was achieved. Upon landing, the aircraft was successfully taxied back to the hangar a distance of 600 metres under its own power. The engine was returned to the manufacturer for strip down and assessment to ascertain the reason for the power loss and they have ascertained that the cause was the failure of a main conrod bearing. The engine showed no signs of heat exposure or damage and no other visible problems.
28/7/2019	OCC1768	Penfield	VIC	I C P	Savannah S	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot departed Penfield AD and announced his intentions ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot departed Penfield AD and announced his intentions to all traffic in the vicinity and was aware of local traffic at Riddells Creek that were conducting circuits and another transiting aircraft nearby at his planned nominated level. Visual identification of the transiting aircraft was not obtained and no effective communication occurred between the two aircraft. While continuing to climb the unidentified aircraft passed directly underneath him with separation estimated to be under 100 metres whereby both pilot took immediate avoidance action. The unidentified pilot broadcast that he understood the pilot had established visual contact based on his earlier call identifying the other circuit traffic. The pilot identified a number of additional standard radio practices following this incident that would have enhanced the effective avoidance of the unsighted transiting traffic and will refine his procedures to communicate more clearly in future.Contributing factors were also highlighted due to the proximity of the 2 airfields and the limited vertical separation available due to overlying controlled airspace. The importance of setting the correct Area QNH to ensure vertical separation was also identified by the pilot. Pilots are reminded that when using alerted see and avoid principles all potential threats must be mitigated by effective two way communications or appropriate flight path planning where any conflict is likely.
27/7/2019	OCC1774	Maroochydore Aerodrome	QLD	TL Ultralight	TL-3000 Sirius	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a routine departure with 13-15 knots of crosswind the ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a routine departure with 13-15 knots of crosswind the aircraft climbed normally to approximately 50 feet then was observed to conduct a steep left turn at low level. Further flight continued as normal, however the tower had enacted emergency responses as the aircraft was not being operated as expected. The pilot regained control of the aircraft and departed for a local flight. RAAus interviewed the pilot, resulting in a suspension of flight privileges until the pilot satisfactorily completes assessment flights with an experienced CFI in addition to assessment of the aircraft to ensure there were no latent mechanical issues. The aircraft was assessed and no mechanical issues were determined as evident. The aircraft has subsequently been sold and the pilot has completed an extensive review and returned to flying.
26/7/2019	OCC1762	Wollongong Aerodrome	NSW	Pipistrel	Alpha Trainer	Rotax	912UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A student was conducting Area Solo practice and departed YWOL...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: A student was conducting Area Solo practice and departed YWOL RWY 16. When returning to the circuit for an overhead join, there was a helicopter and twin engine aircraft conducting circuits on RWY 34. The student called "Joining Midfield Crosswind RWY 34", but mistakenly turned onto downwind RWY 16 and continued on RWY 16, making Base and Final calls for RWY 34. The other circuit traffic alerted the student when they were on final to RWY 16 that they were going in the wrong direction. They then departed upwind RWY 16 and later returned overhead and successfully joined RWY 34 on a mid field crosswind.
24/7/2019	OCC1765	Captain Creek	QLD	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot conducted a preflight check with no issues or probl...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot conducted a preflight check with no issues or problems. The heavier than normal rudder required was put down to the crosswind. On touchdown there was a bang with a heavy pull to the right, resulting in the aircraft passing through a culvert and the prop tips striking loose soil.
23/7/2019	OCC1759	Grafton	NSW	ICP	Savannah	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Defect: Split in the propellor hub
22/7/2019	OCC1763	Sugar Loaf Creek	VIC	Jabiru	SP-500	Jabiru	3300	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot preformed a precautionary landing in a farmers’ pad...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The pilot preformed a precautionary landing in a farmers’ paddock due to the rapidly descending cloud. The paddock chosen was an up-hill into wind paddock surrounded by trees and other paddocks with livestock. The aircraft came around the trees onto low short final to find that there were multiple old electric fences with star pickets every 30-75 metres (an ex-intensive livestock feeding paddock) with many of the pickets lying on ground or half down- these were not visible until close final at less than 100 feet. The pilot was committed to land as the cloud was low and getting lower. The pilot avoided the first fence but was unable to power out due weather and made a hard landing to avoid a hard fence about 200m from the touch down point. Wires were towed across paddock for some distance with total landing roll approx. 75 metres.
21/7/2019	OCC1767	Walcha	NSW	Tecnam	P92 Echo	Rotax	912ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: During daily preflight inspection the fuel was turned...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: During daily preflight inspection the fuel was turned on to conduct a water check, fuel was running out the bottom of the L/H carby. It was first thought that the float was faulty, after removing the float bowl it was found that the outside float support pin had become loose and was letting the fuel pass out of the bottom of the float bowl. Time expired and on condition engine, defective fuel bowl due time and wear.
21/7/2019	OCC1760	Lambell's Lagoon	NT	Jabiru	J160-D	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft departed from a 600-700 metre private strip with two...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: Aircraft departed from a 600-700 metre private strip with two pilots aboard. There was nil or negligible wind, with a possible cross wind. The pilot believed the aircraft ws not responding as usual and elected to remove the power, resulting in the aircraft sinking to the ground, damaging the nose wheel and running off the runway into a ditch. The aircraft flipped upside down and both aboard were able to extricate themselves with no injuries. Members are reminded of the importance of determining go/no-go points when operating from unprepared strips and manage aborted takeoff or landings appropriately.