Spatial disorientation
Pilot of Wittman Tailwind light aircraft likely became spatially disorientated after encountering poor weather and impacted terrain.
Australia's national transport safety investigator
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Ballina separation occurrence
Ongoing investigation reveals recorded flight paths of Airbus A320 and private Jabiru two-seat recreational aircraft intersected with vertical separation of about 600 feet.
Effective management of risks
Collision with terrain highlights the importance of effective management of risks
Main rotor strike
The ATSB is considering several factors that could have contributed to a R44’s main rotor blade striking its fuselage
Runway incursion
Inappropriate radio frequency and transponder mode selection degraded flight crew's situational awareness
Inadvertent hazard
An unfortunate outcome for an operator who, in addressing one problem, inadvertently created another.
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Derailment of Pacific National freight train 4BM4, near Nana Glen, New South Wales, on 25 February 2021 - new investigation
At approximately 0145 on 25 February 2021, Pacific National freight train 4BM4 derailed near Nana Glen, NSW. There were three locomotives and 120 wagons in the consist of the 1458 m train.
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Level crossing accident between passenger train and road vehicle at Lindum, Queensland, on 26 February 2021 - new investigation
At approximately 1340 on 26 February 2021, a car travelling east along Lindum Road turned right onto the Kianawah Road level crossing in the suburb of Lindum, Brisbane.
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VFR into IMC and loss of control involving Wittman Tailwind, VH-TWQ, Tooloom National Park, New South Wales, on 12 January 2020 - final report
Pilot of a Wittman Tailwind light aircraft likely became spatially disorientated after encountering poor weather, and impacted a ridgeline in the Tooloom National Park near the NSW-Queensland border.
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Separation occurrence involving Airbus A320, VH-VGP, and Jabiru J230-D, 24-7456, near Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, New South Wales, on 28 November 2020 - preliminary report
The ATSB is continuing its investigation into a separation occurrence in uncontrolled airspace near Ballina where recorded data showed that the tracks of an Airbus A320 and a private Jabiru two-seat recreational aircraft intersected with a vertical separation of about 600 feet.
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VFR into IMC involving a Piper PA-28, VH-FPS, near Warrnambool, Victoria, on 25 February 2021 - new investigation
During cruise, the crew, operating under VFR, reported encountering unforecast weather and elected to return to Warrnambool.
Don't Push It - DON'T GO
Visual flight rules pilots pressing on into instrument meteorological conditions without a current instrument rating carries a significant risk of spatial disorientation due to powerful and misleading orientation sensations with reduced visual cues.
» Disorientation can affect any pilot, no matter what their level of experience.
» Avoid deteriorating weather by conducting thorough pre-flight planning.
» Use a ‘personal minimums’ checklist to help control and manage risk.
» If you become disoriented or lost in marginal weather, seek whatever help is available, including support from air traffic control.