AVIATION OCCURRENCE REPORT LIST

Number Date Location Description Category Status
2009/10 02  18 Nov 2009 10:15  Bacchus Marsh Depot  During landing, the rotorwash from the aircraft displaced an inflated air mattress from a nearby rubbish bin  Incident  Reported 
2009/10 01  12 Nov 2009 13:00  McCullock Track Neerim  During rappel dispatcher training a improperly stored bag used for equipment dislodged and fell from the hovering helicopter  Incident  Reported 
2009/09 46  7 Feb 2009 19:00  Bracewell Street  Unsupervised helitack operations in poor visibility failed to identify powerlines and antenna in close proximity to filling site.  Incident  Reported 
2008/09 46  7 Feb 2009 15:09  Horsham Airport  Pilot had his glove and hand caught in the drive shaft of the helicopter  Incident  Reported 
2008/09 45  7 Feb 2009 13:44  Kilmore  During aerial recce operations excessive readings were observed on the oil temp and amp gauges of FS 381. Pilot immediately returned to airport, landed and shutdown aircraft.   Maintenance  Reported 
2008/09 44  23 Apr 2009 13:15  Sweetwater South FRB  Aircraft undertaking incendiary operations used siren which scared cattle and member of public on adjacent property  Management  Completed 
2008/09 43  7 Feb 2009 18:20  Kilmore Racecourse  Engineer of Type2 Firebombing helicopter occupied left seat during bombing operations wearing shorts, shot sleeve shirt and headset  Management  Reported 
2008/09 42  7 Feb 2009 18:20  Kilmore Racecourse  Pilot of helicopter being hot refuelled exited the aircraft leaving controls unattended with rotors turning  Management  Reported 
2008/09 41  3 Apr 2009 12:46  12 km NE Mallacoota  Helicopter struck a bird with main rotorblade.  Incident  Reported 
2008/09 40  2 Apr 2009 16:00  Portland  Aircraft undertaking Air Attack and Reconnaissance ran low of fuel on return trip to airbase. Pilot landed the aircraft and fuel truck dispatched from airbase to refuel allowing completion flight to airbase.  Management  Reported 
2008/09 39  30 Mar 2009 18:00  Mueller Jeep Track  AIM operating intermitently from fault in electrical connections. During attempts to rectify problem, operations supervisor lost situational awareness and capsules were released outside burn area.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2008/09 38      Non accreditted person undertook hot refuelling operation  Management  Under Investigation 
2008/09 37  22 Mar 2009 20:00  Bairnsdale  Flight returning to Bairnsdale airport breached last light by approximately 13 minutes  Management  Under Investigation 
2008/09 36  24 Feb 2009 11:01  Wesburn - Upper Yarra  AIM Bombardier required assessment prior to receiving final accreditation. AAS flying as AIM Ops Supervisor had no training or accreditation in the role.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2008/09 35  24 Feb 2009 10:51  Ballarat Airport  Very Old pump with exposed mechanical parts presenting hazard to operators  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 34  24 Feb 2009 12:00  Victoria Park   Aircraft landing at airbase established at local football ground. The rotor wash from the aircrane dislodged a coaching box/shelter from the boundary blowing it several metres away.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 33  12 Feb 2009 12:00  NE Maroondah Reservoir  During Fire Bombing operations an unidentified aircraft not involved in the operation flew between HT341 and FB306 without anouncing its presence or intentions  Airspace  Completed 
2008/09 32  4 Mar 2009 15:30  Ferntree Gully  During a relocation flight from Latrobe Valley to Melbourne AAS opened the left hand wedge window at which point it detached from the aircraft and fell to the ground.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 30  23 Feb 2009 16:00  Wesburn Airbase  Airbase radio operator failed to maintain F/Following for recce aircraft which was eventually located safely on ground back at airport  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 29  24 Feb 2009 17:22  Stud Road Oval  After landing at an uncontrolled refuelling site a intoxicated woman approached operating helicopter during shut down procedures  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 28  23 Feb 2009 19:50  Staging Area - Wesburn  After refuelling the fuel cap on the helicopter was left open dangling on the tether from the aircraft  Maintenance  Completed 
2008/09 27  19 Feb 2009 0:00  Wesburn Airbase  ELT fitted to Type 3 helicopter activated whilst in flight. After advice from the Airdesk the unit was reset by the pilot.  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 26  16 Feb 2009 11:25  Wesburn Helibase  Aircraft observed flying overhead Wesburn Helibase without advising of presence on Fire-CTAF   Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 25  16 Feb 2009 11:00  Wesburn Airbase  Private vehicle used by airbase security was parked close to aircrane landing site and alledgedly sustained damage from stones blown by rotorwash of landing aircraft  Incident  Reported 
2008/09 24  12 Feb 2009 16:20  Black Range - Alexandra  Itinerant aircraft passed under AAS aircraft from behind without any radio contact or approval to enter the fire bombing operation area  Airspace  Under Investigation 
2008/09 23  15 Feb 2009 20:39  Latrobe Valley Airbase  Aircraft continued operations until official last light  Management  Completed 
2008/09 22  14 Feb 2009 14:00  Latrobe Valley Airbase  Replenishing foam into aircraft pilot was splashed with concentrate on arm, trunk and leg  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 21  13 Feb 2009 15:04  Maroondah Dam  On two ocassions, itinerant aircraft flew in close proximity to firebombing operations  Airspace  Completed 
2008/09 20  7 Feb 2009 17:00  Wandong  Aircraft undertaking fire bombing operations struck power line with snorkel, breaking wire and damaging panel when snorkel swung back into tail boom.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 19  4 Feb 2009 14:24  Mt Disappointment  Firefighter failed to clear drop zone prior to bombing operations  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 18  4 Feb 2009 16:22  Nariel  During firebombing operations, the pilot accidentally released the bucket whilst attempting to bomb the fire  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 17  1 Feb 2009 17:36  Horsham  During landing approach by firespotter aircraft pilot was forced to evade glider and undertake a "go around"   Airspace  Reported 
2008/09 16  20 Jan 2009 16:00  Heyfield  Radios in Bomber failed inbound to fire  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2008/09 15  28 Jan 2009 14:59  Mornington Peninsula  Recce aircraft diverted from planned flight to attend new incident at Dromana without advising local flight following. Attempts to call aircraft after scheduled time had elapsed failed to make contact. Aircraft was subsequently located over the fire.  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 14  28 Jan 2009 18:50  Wallan Football Ground  During aircraft refuelling a pipe associated with the filtering failed, spilling fuel onto the ground  Maintenance  Completed 
2008/09 13  24 Jan 2009 17:15  Moorabbin  Pilot of light fixed wing transport arrived at Moorabbin wearing shorts and thongs for crew transport flioght to Delagate  Hazard  Reported 
2008/09 12  22 Feb 2009 19:00  Malmsbury  Operations personnel were allowing an area of fire to burn out to control lines but had not advised AAS of strategy. The edge of fire was bombed to prevent its spread contrary to ground staff strategy  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 11  29 Jan 2009 14:32  Latrobe Valley Airport  Brakes inoperative on landing roll out. Aircraft veered to the right off the runway and penetrated boundary fence.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 10  28 Jan 2009 14:24  Mornington Peninsula  AOb conducting AR failed to call at the scheduled time. Aircraft contacted by another region via radio  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 09  22 Jan 2009 18:05  Yambulla North  Setting up for Rappel Crew gear extraction, the pilot's electric hook release test failed. Unable to rectify problem and operation aborted.  Maintenance  Completed 
2008/09 08  22 Jan 2009 10:39  Cann River  Pilot left the controls of operating helicopter during hotrefuelling operation. Refuelling continued without anyone at the controls of the helicopter.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 07a  22 Jan 2009 11:31    During the rappel operation with Heyfield Rappel A a full system warning alert occurred giving an indication of failures with key aircraft management systems, reports indicated that water seepage from a rain event in the area during the rappel operation f  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 07  22 Jan 2009 8:30  Yambulla Peak  Ground crews working on the fireline had no communications with firebombing aircraft deployed from NSW  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 06  22 Jan 2009 12:00    During an airborne insertion of cargo, for Heyfield Rappel A on to the fire line from a helicopter, a loss of control occurred during the process of lowering the cargo to the ground resulting in a hard impact and damage to the cargo.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 05  22 Jan 2009 10:58    In the process of an airborne cargo bag dispatch from the helicopter an essential rear seat cross support bar was dislodged and appeared to fall to the ground.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 04  22 Jan 2009 10:45    Two rappel crew members became entangled in the canopy of trees in the location of the insertion point. Both members had to free themselves from the entanglement and lower themselves to the ground.  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 03  6 Jan 2009 15:47  Geelong Airport (Grovedale)  Brake failure on firespotter aircraft resulted in runway over run when landing  Incident  Completed 
2008/09 02  16 Dec 2008 11:30  Wilsons Promontory NP  Sling Load Crewmember walked behind operating rotors during sling loading operation.  Hazard  Completed 
2008/09 01  1 Dec 2008 12:00  Ovens Helipad  Aircraft refuelled with 150 litres of AVGAS.  Hazard  Completed 
2007/08 26  22 Aug 2008 9:15  Major Mitchell Plateau  Crew departing helicopter walked uphill under operating rotor  Mishap Prevention  Completed 
2007/08 25  18 Apr 2008 16:01  Bumper Gully  Incendiary Machine jammed causing capsule to ignite in machine  Incident  Under Investigation 
2007/08 24  10 Apr 2008 15:57  Wilson Promontory NP  ADT struck tree during low level operations  Incident  Under Investigation 
2007/08 23  4 May 2008 11:01  Essendon Airport  A multispectral linescan flight was aborted after the pilot reported a faulty fuel gauge.  Management  Under Investigation 
2007/08 21  15 Mar 2008 12:00  Gippsland  During ADT operations, ground crew entered coupe area without PPE.  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2007/08 20  15 Mar 2008 16:30  Swifts Creek  During the return flight from an aerial drip torch operation, the boot door of a light helicopter opened whilst airborne.  Maintenance  Completed 
2007/08 19  29 Feb 2008 12:30  BROBERGS HELIPAD  During rappel recurrency training, a rappeller suffered a hard landing and non-braked impact with the ground.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2007/08 18  26 Feb 2008 12:25  ROSTREVOR  During rappel recurrency training, a large branch fell and narrowly missed rappeller unhooking from rope on the ground.  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2007/08 17  2 Mar 2008 20:18  Latrobe Valley   Whilst returning to NOB, a medium helicopter flew past the time of last light and was requested by State Air Desk to land at an airport short of their NOB.  Management  Under Investigation 
2007/08 16  11 Dec 2007 12:00  Pretty Valley  During a sling load operation, pilot dropped load of cargo into a remote location.  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2007/08 15  10 Jan 2008 18:54  Elaine  During firebombing operations, an unannounced media aeroplane entered tactical airspace at low level.  Airspace  Under Investigation 
2007/08 14  10 Jan 2008 18:12  ELAINE  During firebombing operations, an unidentified itinerant aircraft entered tactical airspace.  Airspace  Under Investigation 
2007/08 13  9 Dec 2007 15:00  WPNP  During a sling load operation, cargo was dropped into a gully.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2007/08 12  17 Jan 2008 16:25  Corryong  During the firebombing operation, a SEAT dropped a load of retardant on multiple fireline vehicles.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2007/08 11  14 Jan 2008 15:00  Gelantipy  Whilst on final approach to Gelantipy Airbase, an individual walked in front of a medium helicopter's flight path.  Hazard  Completed 
2007/08 10  12 Jan 2008 20:40  Taggerty  Whilst in a final hover to land at Taggerty Airbase, the flight crew heard a 'loud ping noise' from their light helicopter.  Maintenance  Completed 
2007/08 09  2 Jan 2008 8:52    During a rappel equipment extraction, the load was dropped into a river after the cargo arm's manual release was activated.  Incident  Completed 
2007/08 08  8 Jan 2008 18:45  Lysterfield  During hover-fill of a belly tank, the blades of a medium helicopter struck nearby vegetation.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2007/08 07  2 Jan 2008 15:40  Benambra  Upon final approach to Benambra airbase, the landing carriage of a light twin-engine aeroplane failed to lower.  Maintenance  Completed 
2007/08 06  1 Jan 2008 18:00  Delegate  Upon light transport aeroplanes landing at Delegate Airbase, pilots raised concerns about the length of grass, and the actual vs. reported length of the airstrip.  Maintenance  Completed 
2007/08 05  7 Dec 2007 9:45  Yanakie  Upon final approach to Yanakie Airbase, a SEAT aborted landing and returned to NOB due to poor condition of airstrip.  Mishap Prevention  Completed 
2007/08 04  8 Dec 2007 12:00  Dartmoor  During fire operations at Casterton Airbase, the fixed-wing landing approach was reported to be compromised by the location of the helicopter landing and fuel tanker parking areas.  Airspace  Completed 
2007/08 03  15 Nov 2007 15:00  Kinglake West  During an airborne rappel training mission near Kinglake West, a rappel rope was cut using established emergency procedures.  Hazard  Completed 
2007/08 02  5 Oct 2007 15:55  Mangalore  After completing a training mission near Mangalore, the twin engine AAS platform lost power to one engine.  Maintenance  Completed 
2007/08 01  19 Nov 2007 17:30  Little Desert  During the firebombing operation, a fireline vehicle was coated in retardant.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2006/07 30  23 Mar 2007 0:00    Pilot advised of an oncoming aircraft by melbourne Control. Short time later an aircraft flew over at about 100 feet seperation.  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2006/07 29  18 Mar 2007 10:38  Latrobe Valley  Transport aircraft difficult to start hot (several attempts made)  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2006/07 28  12 Feb 2007 10:32  Mount Stanley  Unknown Individual walked under tail boom of S-61 while it was running  Hazard  Completed 
2006/07 27  6 Feb 2007 10:47  Ben Nevis  Seperation issues with Air Attack and Air Observer Aircraft  Airspace  Under Investigation 
2006/07 26  19 Jan 2007 9:00    Aircraft aborted take-off twice before becoming airborne    Under Investigation 
2006/07 25  15 Jan 2007 13:20    Issues with brand of anti-freeze  Hazard  Completed 
2006/07 24  13 Jan 2007 16:00    Hot Refuelling - O ring on fliter of hot refuel truck leaked as pressure applied - spray of fuel covered motor/pump and came close to refuellers  Maintenance  Completed 
2006/07 23  13 Jan 2007 13:00  Wallaby Ck Farm  Sizeable debris narrowly missed personnel on completion of 1 rappel - Due to 412 rotor wash & gum species & dry canopy  Hazard  Completed 
2006/07 22  12 Jan 2007 13:15  Tatong  HT 332 Suffered a wire strike  Incident  Completed 
2006/07 21  8 Jan 2007 10:00  Marlo  Potential near miss of aircraft landing/taking off form Marlo  Airspace  Completed 
2006/07 20  6 Jan 2007 18:44  Bairnsdale  Formal request from IMT to aircraft operator to conduct night air operations. Air observer and aircraft booked and ready to commene operations  Management  Completed 
2006/07 19  5 Jan 2007 15:45  Bairnsdale  Runway over run. Damage to props and undercarriage.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2006/07 18  31 Dec 2006 16:30  Annuello  Slip on unit dropped on with a load of retardent by AT802  Incident  Completed 
2006/07 17  30 Dec 2006 13:25    Filling hose (pond snorkel) on Helitack 347 caught on skids twice during fire bombing operations  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2006/07 16  23 Dec 2006 18:17  Erica  Firebird had to set down. Pilot experiencing difficulties with seat. Temporary fix unsucessful & 7 mins into mission had to abort and set down, then return to base.  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2006/07 15  21 Dec 2006 13:40  Essendon Airport  Smoke issuing from Engine - Oil leak onto engine  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2006/07 14  20 Dec 2006 10:51  Mt Buller  Rappeler executed a high speed rappel from max height  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2006/07 13  13 Dec 2006 14:58  Essendon Airport  Brake failed to activate on one wheel of aircraft. Flight delayed by 50 minutes whilst being repaired.  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2006/07 12  12 Dec 2006 10:16    Firebird 318. Transmission Cowling hit Rotor blades  Maintenance  Completed 
2006/07 11  12 Dec 2006 10:11  Tawonga  During Scanning Firescan 300 encountered uncontrolled descent through 10,000ft  Incident  Under Investigation 
2006/07 10  23 Nov 2006 10:20  NSW  Trees struck whilst filling  Incident  Completed 
2006/07 09  22 Nov 2006 13:59  Various  Landing Gear failure 3 times during three different flights  Maintenance  Completed 
2006/07 08  21 Nov 2006 10:58  Waubra  Itinerant aircraft reported during fire operations, would not respond to radio calls. No calls given to say aircraft was in the area  Airspace  Completed 
2006/07 07  17 Nov 2006 10:53  Merijig  Rappeler after operational check removed gloves prior to boarding helicopter - In breach of rappel procedures  Hazard  Completed 
2006/07 06  14 Nov 2006 13:03  Tobacco Flat  Rappel Training:- During canopy rappels helicopter experienced sink, Rapeller on rope was snagged on tree, A cutaway was conducted and flown to ground.  Incident  Completed 
2006/07 05  7 Nov 2006 14:12    Delay in aircraft dispatch. Request by CFA Regional Officer to Vicfire to dispatch tactical aircraft - did not call the airdesk  Management  Completed 
2006/07 04  13 Oct 2006 14:09  Barmah Forest  BirdDog 369 (Cessna 337) Aircraft alternators failed resulting in loss of elec power - radio & systems unable to operate. Aircraft had to return to base.  Maintenance  Completed 
2006/07 03  9 Oct 2006 12:00  Yanakie Airbase  White Cross placed on Yanakie airstrip & aircraft continued to use strip. No notification to SAU of who placed the marker or why?  Mishap Prevention  Under Investigation 
2006/07 02  18 Sep 2006 14:17  Linga Airbase  Aircraft blew tyre whilst landing at Linga Airbase, closed airstrip for a period of approx 5 hours  Incident  Under Investigation 
2006/07 01  17 Sep 2006 14:31  Cowanga Nth Helipad  Light Helicopter Filling from Floating Collar Tank. Whilst Lowering Bucket into floating collar tank, cable looped and hooked on collar tank lug, pilot couldnt release cable  Incident  Under Investigation 
2005/06 18  31 Dec 2005 0:00  Lancefield  Ground resources became entraped on eastern flank of fire.  Mishap Prevention  Reported 
2005/06 17  31 Dec 2005 0:00  Lancefield  Multiple control points set up. Communication channels being changed without updating AAS.  Hazard  Reported 
2005/06 11  26 Apr 2006 14:38  Gippsland  Aircraft management concerns:- Aircraft had to find position of least smoke to enter/exit. Aircraft surrounded by fire on ground, no avenue of escape in the event of aircraft problem. Unsure of boundaries of burn due to smoke  Hazard  Completed 
2005/06 10  12 Mar 2006 16:15  Ballarat  Two fire crew operating on fire line with a SOU in East sector had two loads of foam dropped on them from two different helicopters. Nil injuries.  Incident  Completed 
2005/06 09  9 Mar 2006 17:30  Bendigo Airbase  During refuelling operations of Bomber 351 at Bendigo airport, utilising the hand pump on Bomber 351, large amounts of static electricity was given off. All earthing straps & leads were checked & found to be serviceable & in correct locations.  Mishap Prevention  Completed 
2005/06 08  24 Feb 2006 14:45  Omeo  Mechanical failure of throttle cable control on aircraft and had to perform and emergency landing.  Maintenance  Completed 
2005/06 07  12 Feb 2006 17:45  Benambra  Non Approved Dispatch  Management  Completed 
2005/06 06  21 Jan 2006 15:00  Grampians NP  Itinerant Aircraft Intrusion  Airspace  Completed 
2005/06 05  4 Jan 2006 14:30  Stawell  Firebird pilot insisted on his aircraft being hot refuelled by non accredited personel.   Hazard  Completed 
2005/06 04  1 Jan 2006 10:00  Baynton  Unauthorised Aircraft Dispatch  Management  Completed 
2005/06 03  30 Dec 2005 19:30  CFA Region 14  Itinerant Aircraft  Airspace  Completed 
2005/06 02  28 Dec 2005 19:00  Heyfield   HT333 deployed rappel crews to fire and went to Delegate airbase to refuel. on arrival found 2 drums of fuel. Air base personnel also failed to check drums for water. If emergency extraction was required HT333 unable to carry out task due to fuel issue.  Hazard  Completed 
2005/06 01  22 Dec 2005 13:30  Mt Dawson Heyfield  Whilst deploying water pack from helicopter to Rappel crews, pack went between skids on HT333. After pack touched ground , rope bag slipped out of hand and went over the other side of the skid. Told pilot and pulled rope back over skid.  Hazard  Completed