Why the ATSB did this research This is the second in a series of research investigations looking at technical failures reported to the ATSB. This report reviews power plant problems affecting turboprop‑powered aircraft between 2012 and 2016. By summarising power plant-related occurrences, this report provides an opportunity for operators to compare their own experiences with others flying the same or similar aircraft types, or aircraft using the same engines. By doing so, the ATSB hopes that the wider aviation industry will be able to learn from the experience of others. What the ATSB…

Why we have done this report Occurrences involving aircraft striking wildlife, particularly birds, are the most common aviation occurrence reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Strikes with birds continue to be a potential safety risk and present a significant economic risk for aerodrome and airline operators. The aim of the ATSB’s statistical report series is to provide information back to pilots, aerodrome and airline operators, regulators, and other aviation industry participants to assist them with managing the risks associated with bird and animal strikes. This…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

What happened In the early hours of 14 July 2015, the offshore support vessel (OSV) Skandi Pacific was loading cargo from an oil rig about 165 km off Australia’s north-west coast. As the weather deteriorated, cargo operations were stopped and the OSV moved a short distance from the rig. Two crewmembers then began securing the cargo on the vessel’s aft deck. While securing the cargo, the crewmembers slackened the securing chain they had used to secure the containers on the starboard side to better secure the entire stow. Shortly after, two large waves came over Skandi Pacific’s open stern,…

Detecting an unsecured canopy prior to take-off could prevent in-flight control issues resulting in injury or aircraft damage. What happened On 14 October 2014, a Van’s Aircraft Inc. (Van’s) RV-6A departed Moorabbin Airport, Victoria on a local flight. Shortly after reaching 2,900 ft, the aircraft descended rapidly and a witness reported observing objects falling from the aircraft. The aircraft collided with the ground next to a house 8 km south of Moorabbin. The pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed. Members of the public found a number of items away from the accident…

Introduction The ATSB Annual Report 2015–16 outlines performance against the outcome and program structure in the 2015–16 Infrastructure and Regional Development Portfolio Budget Statements. Chief Commissioner’s review 2015–16 This was the ATSB’s seventh year as a fully independent body within the Infrastructure and Regional Development portfolio. 2015–16 also marked the final year of Martin Dolan’s tenure as the ATSB’s Chief Commissioner. While Martin’s real and significant contributions to improving transport safety have been widely acknowledged, it was his passion, energy and commitment…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…