Abnormal engine indications involving a Jabiru ST, VH-NQA, Cairns, Queensland, on 18 September 1994

The Jabiru aircraft was departing Cairns for a dual training flight. At approximately 200 ft AGL during the initial climb, a loud bang was heard, and the aircraft began to vibrate violently. The pilot immediately reduced engine power and was able to land the aircraft straight ahead on the remaining runway without further incident.

Later examination found that the right rear cylinder on the engine had partly detached from the crankcase. The cause for the detachment was traced to the fatigue failure of two of the cylinder tie down bolts. Specialist examination of the bolts by the manufacturer determined that the bolt design was probably inadequate. The manufacturer has since redesigned the bolts.