Week 1
Welcome to Week 1 of National Safety Month 2023
WEEK 1 IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
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FATAL ACCIDENT SERIES - WEEK 1 - COLLISION WITH TERRAIN & WIRESTRIKES
Collision with terrain and wirestrikes are one of the most common causes of fatal accident within RAAus operations. These commonly occur within the following circumstances:
- Collision with obstacles during final approach to land (most commonly trees)
- Collision with obstacles during take-off due to weight and balance and performance limitations
- Collision with powerlines (wirestrike) or other obstacles during low level flying
HIGH RISK AREAS
Operations from private airfields (uncertified aerodromes)
Rural and farming operations
Low level operations
TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDANCE
Conduct a hazard assessment prior to flight, particularly when operating from private airfields
Carry out advanced flight training in strip flying and low level prior to commencing these activities
Complete a weight and balance and calculate take-off and landing distance required prior to each and every flight
Never operate at low level without appropriate training and endorsements
Always maintain a stabilised approach and avoid turns below 500ft on final
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER ONLY CONTENT - I AM PETE BLAKE
Screentime NZ has granted RAAus members EXCLUSIVE access to an episode of their TV series, I AM.
Topdressing pilot Pete witnessed the death of his best friend and a colleague in a plane accident after an unplanned deviation from the pilot's original flight plan resulted in a collision with high voltage power lines. The result is severe PTSD and depression, which incapacitates Pete and impacts his life.
This episode contains a number of important safety messages for all pilots.
WARNING: Deals with the issue of suicide.
PRIVATE AIRFIELD OPERATIONS - ALAs
When we look at collision with terrain accidents, many of these occur at private airfields, often in rural environments. Strip flying, or operating out of private, uncertified aircraft landing areas (ALAs), is a skillset that offers increased possibilities for pilots, making new areas accessible. That said, operating out of ALAs requires additional considerations by pilots both prior to, and during flight and should not be carried out without specialist flight training with an instructor.
Key areas where we have seen fatal accidents at private airfields include:
- Collision with trees or other obstacles during final approach.
- Collision with trees or other obstacles after take-off due to inadequate take-off distance available.
- Collision with trees or other obstacles due to non-standard, low level circuit.
READ MORE.......
LOW-LEVEL FLYING
Did you know it is a legal requirement to maintain the same heading after take-off until 500ft AGL?
Do you know your requirements with respect to decent below 500 feet on final?
Did you know it is illegal to operate below 500ft without a low-level endorsement (excluding take-off and landing)?
Last year, 2 fatal RAAus accidents involved low level flying. Know your requirements!
READ MORE......
OCCURRENCE SUMMARY
Impulsive decisions during flight could lead to catastrophic outcomes
An ATSB report in relation to a fatal accident involving a Cessna 172 on 18 April 2022 established that the pilot was likely conducting an intentional low-level pass over a tractor before their aircraft struck a powerline.
"After completing several touch-and-go landings, the pilot flew a low pass at 15–25 feet above the ground over a tractor, which was working in a field adjacent to the aerodrome."
A recent occurrence reported to RAAus contained video footage of an RAAus aircraft conducting a flight in similar circumstances. The aircraft was conducting a low pass over a tractor and passed below high-voltage powerlines. The passenger of the aircraft recorded the footage and uploaded this online, stating in the video that they were unaware of the location of the powerlines at the time. Luckily, this occurrence did not result in an accident. The pilot did not hold a low-level endorsement and was operating illegally. The pilot was issued a safety related suspension and was required to undertake further training. This occurrence was also reported to CASA in accordance with RAAus' reporting requirements under CASR Part 149.
RAAus members are reminded of the dangers of low-level flight and urged to avoid making impulsive decisions during flight. Low-level flying requires additional training and thorough assessment of the hazards in the area prior to flight.
Click here for more information on ATSB report AO-2022-027
Read the content above, then click the following link and complete a short quiz to enter our week 1 prize draw!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER OUR WEEK 1 PRIZE DRAW
YOU COULD WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PRIZES*
FIRST PRIZE: Garmin D2 Mach 1 Aviator Smartwatch - Sponsored by Garmin - Valued at $2,145.00
SECOND PRIZE: 12 Month RAAus Flying Membership - Sponsored by RAAus - Valued at $325.00
THIRD PRIZE: OzRunways Subscription - Sponsored by OzRunways - Valued at $169.00
Applicants must hold a current Flying Membership or Non-Flying Membership In order to be eligible to win the Garmin D2 Mach 1 Aviator Smartwatch.
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