Investigation

AO-2015-089: In-flight break-up involving Cicaré S.A. CH-7BT, VH-JEW, near Roy Hill Station, WA. 28 Jul 2015

Safety issue

N/A

Number

AO-2015-089-SAN-014

Organisation

Mustering and amateur-built helicopter industry

Safety advisory notice

Operating a helicopter within the stated design intent and limitations is essential for safe conduct of flight. The ATSB advises owners/operators of amateur-built experimental aircraft to be fully aware of the risks associated with this category of aircraft and that operation outside the limitations prescribed by the manufacturer, such as the addition of unapproved modifications and use for mustering operations, can produce unexpected stresses on the airframe leading to premature failure of components.

Released

20 December 2019

Investigation

AO-2017-005: Collision with terrain following an engine power loss involving Cessna 172M, VH-WTQ

Safety issue

Upper torso restraints (UTRs) were not required for all passenger seats for small aeroplanes manufactured before December 1986 and helicopters manufactured before September 1992, including for passenger transport operations. Although options for retrofitting UTRs are available for many models of small aircraft, many of these aircraft manufactured before the applicable dates that are being used for passenger transport have not yet been retrofitted.

Number

AO-2017-005-SAN-028

Organisation

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Safety advisory notice

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau strongly encourages operators and owners of small aeroplanes manufactured before December 1986 and helicopters manufactured before September 1992 to fit upper torso restraints to all seats in their aircraft (if they are not already fitted).

Released

17 October 2019

Investigation

AO-2019-014 Ground handling event involving Kavanagh B-400 Balloon, VH-LNB, near Coldstream, Victoria, on 16 March 2019

Safety issue

N/A

Number

AO-2019-014-SAN-014

Organisation

Commercial Balloon Operators

Safety advisory notice

The ATSB advices all commercial balloon operators utilising vehicle-assisted deflation methods to review their current operational practices in light of the findings in the ATSB investigation report AO-2019-014 with the aim of mitigating the risks associated with the procedure. This review should be conducted with emphasis on:   reducing the risks associated with a communications breakdown between the pilot and vehicle driver, and   include a review of the positioning of occupants within the basket to minimise the likelihood of injury if the basket tips during the vehicle assisted deflation.

Released

29 June 2020