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…

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 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 to maintaining…

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…

Why did the ATSB do this research A number of unforecast weather episodes relating to flights into major Australian airports have led to unforeseen diversions, holding, and in some cases, landing below published safe limits. For example, on 18 June 2013, two flights encountered unforecast weather en route to Adelaide, South Australia, leading to a diversion to Mildura Airport, Victoria. Upon arrival, both encountered weather unsuitable for landing. Aerodrome weather forecasts allow pilots and operators to develop a contingency plan during flight planning and en route (such as carrying…

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…

Why the ATSB did this research Aerial application operations encounter different risks compared to other aviation sectors because these pilots work at very low-levels. Working at these levels means that pilots encounter more hazards, such as powerlines, trees, and poles. When working at these levels, pilots have a high workload to navigate these hazards, and have a shorter reaction time if they encounter an issue and need to respond accordingly. Recent investigations by the ATSB have also highlighted the risks during an operation if the aircraft is overloaded, such as airframe damage. This is…