AVIATION OCCURRENCE REPORT LIST

Number Date Location Description Category Status
2013/14 39      Window on co-pilot door of B212 broken whilst rappel crewmember disembarking  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 38    Portland Airport  Charter aircraft carrying CFA pax locked wheel and ran off runway - no injuries  Incident  Reported 
2013/14 37      Airspace separation incident between SEAT and Firebird  Airspace  Preliminary 
2013/14 36    Linga Airbase  Driver entered airbase via incorrect access track and drove along runway.  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 35    Linga Airbase   "Collapse of pallet racking in retardant storage shed. Workplace incident.  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 34      SEAT loader sunburnt during loading  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 33    Corryong  Tail rotor blade of Type 2 helicopter impacted object during hover fill.  Incident  Under Investigation 
2013/14 32  12 Mar 2014 12:00  Shannonvale  Potential airspace issue with SEAT deployed to fire outside IMT jurisdiction without SAD knowledge-no FCTAF allocated. Additional aircraft dispatched by SAD unaware of SEAT deployment and had been issued separate FCTAF.  Management  Preliminary 
2013/14 31  9 Mar 2014 12:00  Latrobe Valley Airbase  Pilot exited helicopter whilst being hot refuelled to change foam drum  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 30  9 Mar 2014 12:00  Hazelwood  After filling bucket and lifting from dam, bucket separated from line and fell into dam  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 29  25 Feb 2014 12:00  Bairnsdale  Aircraft/AAS remained on operation in inadequate light - rapid deterioration of VMC  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 28  25 Feb 2014 12:00  Colac  Strong smell (acidic/alklaline) in the cockpit of Firebird during land management recce operation  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 27  25 Feb 2014 12:00  Gelantipy  Air Observer tasked on campaign fire to conduct AAS duties - This was not an initial attack situation - inadequate rostering of personnel with no AAS available.  Management  Completed 
2013/14 26  21 Feb 2014 12:00  Latrobe Valley Airport  Damage caused to helicopter panels by dislodged taxiway cone at LTV airport  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 25  21 Feb 2014 12:00  Gelantipy  Unsecured cargo bag dropped from helicopter during rappel operation  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 24  10 Mar 2014 12:00  LaTrobe Valley  CO flight issues around Hazelwood pit fire  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 23  10 Mar 2014 12:00  Sale  Twin engine charter aircraft suffered a single engine failure and made an emergency landing at the Sale RAAF air base  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2013/14 22  9 Mar 2014 12:00  Hamilton Airbase  Pilot departed airport with elevator control lock unbolted but not removed .  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 21  6 Feb 2014 12:00  Sth of Colac  Pilot door open during flight, minor items fell out.  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 20  6 Mar 2014 12:00  Benambra  SEAT lost tail wheel after impact with ground following takeoff and conducted forced landing in Lake Benambra  Incident  Under Investigation 
2013/14 19  5 Feb 2014 12:00  Coopracambra  Ground crew on firebombing dropsite when AAS had been advised site was clear.  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 18  4 Feb 2014 12:00  Ellery Creek  Transmission oil temperature indicator warning light illuminated during flight. Aircraft landed safely.  Maintenance  Completed 
2013/14 17  2 Feb 2014 12:00  Orbost  Roof lining dislodged and fell from NSW bucketing helicopter during Victorian fire - helicopter operating with doors removed.  Incident  Reported 
2013/14 16  24 Jan 2014 12:00  Linga Airbase  Pilot on loading ramp missed call from aircraft on final and entered runway. Aircraft on approach had to go around.   Airspace  Completed 
2013/14 15  22 Jan 2014 12:00  Linga Airbase  On start up visible puff of smoke and “electrical” smell inside aircraft.  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 14  22 Jan 2014 12:00  Linga Airbase  Firebird pilot disembarked helicopter whilst running, to assist with refuel. Fueling stopped till pilot returned to cockpit.   Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 12  18 Jan 2014 12:00  Gelantipy  Jet A1 fuel splash back onto Agency personnel during hot refuelling of Type 2 helicopter  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 11  17 Jan 2014 12:00  Corryong  Unsecured seat belt damaged helicopter rear panel during flight.  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 10  17 Jan 2014 12:00  Border Track Fire  Airspace separation incident between SEAT and Firebird  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 09  17 Jan 2014 12:00  Linga Airbase  Helicopter rotated (90 degrees?) on the helipad due to extreme wind gust at time of landing.   Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 08  17 Jan 2014 12:00  Bronzewing Fire  Electrical power failure in aircraft caused by battery failure. Pilot initiated emergency procedures and PAN PAN call via portable trunk radio.  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 07  17 Jan 2014 12:00  Big Desert  Aircraft lost power in flat turn due to fuel starvation.   Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 06  17 Jan 2014 12:00  Bronzewing  Airspace separation incident between AAS aircraft and unapproved non CWN piston engined aircraft transporting CFA Group personnel around fire.   Airspace  Reported 
2013/14 05  15 Jan 2014 12:00  Linga Airbase  Pilot departed cabin during loading operations to inspect possible wing damage  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 04  10 Jan 2014 12:00  Linga Airbase  Pilot departed the cabin of an operating helicopter to assist with fueling operations.  Hazard  Completed 
2013/14 03  7 Jan 2014 12:00  Bendigo Airbase  During tie-down procedures of the rotor blades the pilot fell from a ladder whilst attempting to install the Blade "sock"  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 02  19 Dec 2013 12:00  Linga Airbase  Pilot inadvertently activated bomb release door during taxiing, emptying load onto taxiway.  Incident  Completed 
2013/14 01  3 Dec 2013 12:00  Linga Airbase  During loading operations into RHS filling point of a SEAT retardant spilled onto the concrete pad from the opposite (LHS) filling point.  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 45  26 Apr 2013 14:40  Swifts Creek  The ADT became unstable during burning operations at a planned burn resulting in a sideward swaying motion  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 44  3 Apr 2013 12:45  Ballarat  An agency employee undertook a passenger flight in a restricted category aircraft  Management  Under Investigation 
2012/13 43  8 Apr 2013 15:10  Linga Airbase  During refuelling operation an incorrect fuel type was loaded into the aircraft. The issue was identified, refuelling ceased and an engineer consulted regarding the draining and flushing of the fuel tank  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 42  21 Mar 2013 20:00  Horsham  Bombing aircraft returned to the airbase after last light after completing final drop for the day  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 41  7 Mar 2013 13:00  Mt Murray  During cargo insertion the cargo rope became entangled in the skid of the helicopter  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 40  25 Feb 2013 14:24  Punkapunyal Army Base  Unidentified aircraft observed incursion into restricted airspace  Airspace  Reported 
2012/13 39  23 Feb 2013 9:35    The LHS door of the helicopter opened unintentionally allowing a map book to fall from the aircraft.  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 38  18 Feb 2013 17:00  Craigieburn  During air attack operations the pilot was required to take evasive action to avoid another emergency agency aircraft  Incident  Reported 
2012/13 37  15 Feb 2013 15:00  Southern Grampians  The bucket of a bombing helicopter detached from the aircraft   Incident  Completed 
2012/13 36  13 Feb 2013 10:23  Corryong  During rappel operations a rope became entangled on the skid of the helicopter  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 35  11 Feb 2013 12:00  Harrietville  During ADT "hook up"operations a crew member was struck on the shoulder by the helicopter skid  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 34  7 Feb 2013 18:30  Essendon Airport  Fuel was observed leaking from cap area during taxi. The aircraft aborted takeoff and returned to hangar  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 33  6 Feb 2013 14:00  Harrietville  At the completion of a fuelling operation the earth/static lead was left attached to the aircraft  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 32  5 Feb 2013 14:42  Heyfield  The Aerial Driptorch Handpiece malfunctioned when the driptorch was not connected to the aircraft  Maintenance  Under Investigation 
2012/13 31  31 Jan 2013 14:55  Harrietville  During a return flight to the airbase the aircraft experienced severe turbulence where the pilot had difficulty in maintaining control.  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 30  30 Jan 2013 11:00  Chomley Sector  ADT operations were commenced without ground crew being aware of the operation  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 29  29 Dec 2012 16:54  Timor West  Gearbox warning light indicated high temp. Pilot landed aircraft and inspected gearbox to find a broken air pipe. Temporary repair was undertaken and aircraft returned to airbase.  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 28  29 May 2013 14:49  Ovend Trk.  Firebombing aircraft dropped a load of water on a burn line in close proximity to ground crews  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 27  28 Feb 2013 9:30  Latrobe Valley Airbase  During engine startup a backfire caused a minor amount of fuel spilt from the aircraft to start a small fire  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 26  24 Jan 2013 12:00  Otway Ranges  Airspace separation incident with Air observer aircraft   Airspace  Completed 
2012/13 24  24 Jan 2013 16:20  Mallacoota Airport  Aircraft landing gear failed to lock into landing position on first attempt. Subsequent attempt locked gear down and aircraft landed without incident.  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 23  23 Jan 2013 19:15  Latrobe Valley Airport  Pilot side door caught by wind gust and extended to 180 degree opening causing door to contact operating rotor blades   Incident  Completed 
2012/13 22  22 Jan 2013 12:00  Harrietville  Pilot of helitack removed door contrary to SAUP's   Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 21  22 Jan 2013 15:00  Delegate Airbase  Aircraft taxiing for take off contacted rock obscured by grass resulting in damaged brake calliper.  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 20  22 Jan 2013 21:54  Moorabbin  PAX Flight (Swan Hill to Sale) Landing gear indicator light failed to indicate. Aircraft diverted to Moorabbin and landed safely and fault rectified.  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 19  18 Jan 2013 16:04  Cowar  Aircraft experienced a hydraulic failure resulting in control issues which prompted a MAYDAY broadcast by the pilot. The aircraft was safely landed and remained unserviceable for 5 days awaiting parts from overseas  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 18  12 Jan 2013 9:02  Bendigo Airport  Local media requested installation of a GoPro camera into the AAS aircraft to record aircraft operations  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 17  11 Jan 2013 17:42  Portland  ADT operations began without communication to the fire ground and no use of the siren. Ground crews were in close proximity to ADT operations  Incident  Reported 
2012/13 16  11 Jan 2013 15:00  Thorpedale  Whilst undertaking AOb operations over a fire an unannounced and prevoiusly unidentified aircraft flew in close proximity to the AOb aircraft. The aircraft also failed to respond to radio calls from the AOb aircraft.  Incident  Reported 
2012/13 15  11 Jan 2013 14:30  Bendigo  The comms setup does not allow the AOb to use the aeronautical or trunk radio through the headset and single PPT   Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 14  10 Jan 2013 13:15  Horsham  Retardant load dropped from Bomber aircraft hit FAD constructing control lines  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 13  4 Jan 2013 18:37  Portland  The aircraft began to shudder in flight, and returned to the ground without further incident.  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 11  2 Jan 2013 13:00  Bendigo Airbase  The engine start was aborted when a 24 volt to 48 volt relay failed.  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 10  8 Dec 2012 14:00  Birchip  Aircraft deployed to a fire on the direction of local agency without request to or approval of the State Airdesk  Management  Completed 
2012/13 09  29 Nov 2012 10:00  Linga Airbase  Drum stock at airbase was found to have corroded cap/s when the seal was removed. Drums were removed from service and returned to the fuel company for investigation  Hazard  Under Investigation 
2012/13 08  29 Nov 2012 15:20  Baringhup West  Aircraft returning to base from assigned incident deployed to a second incident without advising the Airdesk of tasking.  Management  Completed 
2012/13 07  28 Nov 2012 14:30  Heyfield  During Rappel Dispatcher training the dispatcher failed to release the RHS rope from the aircraft and subsequently advised the pilot that the aircraft was clear to fly away.  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 06  28 Nov 2012 12:30  Linga  The vacuum pump became unserviceable during a recce flight causing the attitude indicator to topple. The aircraft returned to Linga airbase without further incident.  Hazard  Completed 
2012/13 05  8 Nov 2012 11:00  Point Cook  During Rappel Training operations an unsecured open bottle of water fell from the aircraft  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 04  3 Nov 2012 10:50  Otways  During Air Observer Training flight the occupants smelt smoke in the cabin of the aircraft  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 03  27 Oct 2012 9:55  Cann River  During ferry flight to the fire a fuel filter warning light illuminated in the aircraft. The aircraft landed and the pilot checked to filters before returning to the helipad.  Maintenance  Completed 
2012/13 02  19 Oct 2012 16:00  Mt Hickey  During Air Attack Supervisor reaccreditation the pilot of the firebombing aircraft released the load from the aircraft before the target zone into an area where ground crews were located and caused a large branch to be dislodged and fall to the ground  Incident  Completed 
2012/13 01  18 Oct 2012 13:15  Mangalore Airport  During Air Attack Training personnel were troubleshooting faulty equipment and allowed unsecured paper sheets to fly into the area of the operating helicopter  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 24  1 Jun 2012 13:10  Murray Sunset NP  The driptorch fuel pump stopped working resulting in the aircraft returning to the helibase. Replacement fuel pump fitted and operations resumed.  Maintenance  Completed 
2011/12 22  17 Apr 2012 12:00  Ovens Helipad  During ADT loading and marshalling operations a member of the crew was not wearing protective clothing correctly and refused to comply when asked by the crew leader  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 21  27 Mar 2012 15:01  Mt Jack Orbost  Hydraulic pump on helicopter failed resulting in the Aerial Driptorch being released. A PAN call was made during a flight to a location where a "run on" landing could be made.  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 20  14 Apr 2012 15:30  Corryong  Discarded packaging tape caught in rotorwash lodged in the rotorhead of a helicopter.   Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 19  3 Apr 2012 16:05  Ovens  Incendiary capsule jammed in the drop tube as a result of residue buildup from sustained operation  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 18  27 Nov 2011 12:00  Warrandyte State Park  During a seasonal training and currency exercise, aircraft assigned to the operation were directed to undertake manoeuvres (an aerial display) without the necessary approval from the regulatory authority and contrary to the approved operation plan  Management  Completed 
2011/12 17  5 Mar 2012 10:00  Heyfield  Making a rope toss during rappel currency, the rope bag draw string caught on the ground handling lug on the skid. The dispatcher lengthened his wander lead and climbed onto the skid and releaased the bag. The rappel was then completed successfully  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 16  5 Feb 2012 10:03  Wangaratta Airport  Cargo door on Firespotter aircraft was open during taxi prior to intended takeoff.  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 15  5 Feb 2012 8:20  Wangaratta Airport  The port side tyre deflated on landing  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 14  4 Feb 2012 12:00  Ballarat  Rostered person not at airbase resulting in delay of dispatch of aircraft to going fire.  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 13  31 Jan 2012 16:10  Tidal River  During the lifting of an empty sling the helicopter marshall's hardhat was lifted from his head by the free end of the sling  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 12  31 Jan 2012 12:20  Tidal River  During sling load operations two incidents occurred involving the inadvertent release of the slung loads  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 11  22 Jan 2012 16:30  Kings Spur Fire  Following the insertion of the rappel crew and cargo the rope was disconnected and dropped where it became hooked on the aircraft skid.  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 10  3 Jan 2012 14:30  Wangaratta Airport  Pilot disregarded request to wear PPE until provided with SAUP outlining minimum required standards  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 09  11 Jan 2012 12:00  Heyfield  During rappel dispatcher training a quick release fitting failed preventing it from being opened.  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 08  14 Dec 2011 14:14  Sea Lake  Person assigned to undertake an accredited role undertook the task with knowledge that they were not currently accredited to perform the role.  Management  Completed 
2011/12 07  29 Nov 2011 16:30  Latrobe Valley Airport  during pre-landing procedures the pilot experienced a warning light indicating an incomplete engagement of the landing gear. The aircraft was subsequently landed without further incident.  Incident  Completed 
2011/12 05  15 Nov 2011 15:20  Noojee  Person approached an operating helicopter prior to receiving clearance from the pilot  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 04  15 Nov 2011 11:15  Linga Airbase  During refuelling operations of a light helicopter a small quantity of Jet A1 fuel overflowed from the aircraft.   Incident  Completed 
2011/12 03  27 Oct 2011 12:00  Ovens  Equipment clearly labelled do not use was removed from storage and issued for tower familiarisation training.  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 02  20 Oct 2011 15:00  Wilsons Promontory National Park  Helicopter left unattended at temporary Helipad near closed road. Contractors working on the closed road drove close to the aircraft and believed they may have contacted the rotor blade with the antenna on the vehicle. Examination found no damage   Incident  Completed 
2011/12 23  31 May 2012 12:48  Murray Sunset NP  Driptorch handpiece began to emit smoke after sort period of operation. Replacement handpiece began to emit smoke before being turned off. Replacement power lead and alternative power outlet operated correctly.  Hazard  Completed 
2011/12 01  15 Sep 2011 10:00  Mangalore Airbase  During Air Observer Training the pilot instructed the front seat passenger not to lock the door prior to commencing flight.  Hazard  Completed 
2010/11 08  20 Mar 2011 7:00  Avalon Airport  No airbase manager was appointed to manage operational flight and retardant loading for the MEAT Evaluation trial drops  Management  Reported 
2010/11 07  19 Mar 2011 7:00  Avalon Airport  No airbase manager was appointed to manage operational flight and retardant loading for the MEAT Evaluation trial drops  Management  Reported 
2010/11 06  17 Mar 2011 14:37  Avalon Airbase  No airbase manager was appointed to manage operational flight and retardant loading for the MEAT Evaluation trial drops  Management  Reported 
2010/11 04  14 Dec 2010 9:17  Ovens Helibase  During routine preflight checks the rappel dispatcher attachment point disconnected from its mounting rail.   Mishap Prevention  Completed 
2010/11 03  24 Nov 2010 16:00  Tyers Rappel Site  During Rappel training a rappeller sustained an injury to the rear of the knee from a stick when completing the rappel  Incident  Completed 
2010/11 02  2 Nov 2010 17:15  Linga Airbase  During operations the pilot left the controls of the operating helicopter whilst it was being refuelled.  Hazard  Completed 
2010/11 01  6 Sep 2010 13:15  Shepparton  During flood monitoring flight the aircraft was required to take evasive actions to avoid a prevoiusly unidentified aircraft  Airspace  Reported 
2009/10 21  1 Jun 2010 12:19  Venus Bay  Aircraft was hot refuelled during the shutdown process, with the refueller not wearing the necessary PPE  Mishap Prevention  Completed 
2009/10 20  1 Apr 2010 13:25  Dock Inlet  During recce flight return to airport the aircraft door opened unexpectedly and a mobile phone fell from the aircraft.  Incident  Completed 
2009/10 19  20 Mar 2010 8:45  Melton Airport  Aircraft shutdown to reposition on a display flight line. During manual repositioning the aircraft struck a culvert and tipped rearward, struck the ground with the tailplane.  Incident  Completed 
2009/10 18  17 Mar 2010 15:20  Bairnsdale  The top hinge of the pilots door broke in flight. The aircraft was returned to airport where engineers undertook repair overnight.  Maintenance  Completed 
2009/10 17  9 Feb 2010 11:00  Avalon Airbase  Retardant loader was observed by airport operator cleaning a mobile tank standing on a pallet on an extended fork lift.  Hazard  Completed 
2009/10 16  3 Mar 2010 11:00  Enfield  Media helicopter crossed beyond an approved boundary that had been clearly defined to crew   Airspace  Reported 
2009/10 14  23 Feb 2010 17:30  Mornington Peninsula  During dispatch flight the ELT of a helicopter activated   Maintenance  Completed 
2009/10 13  30 Jan 2010 9:15  Avalon Airbase  During assessment trials loading crew failed to identify that a valve was left in a partially open state while recirculating retardant in the tanks.  Incident  Completed 
2009/10 12  24 Jan 2010 13:00  East of Marlo Airport  Inbound to Marlo airport, a small bird struck the left hand side windscreen of the Helicopter  Incident  Completed 
2009/10 11  29 Jan 2010 13:00    Fractured door roller discovered on RHS rear door of Bell 212  Maintenance  Completed 
2009/10 10  31 Jan 2010 13:10  Rokewood  Aircraft door incorectly secured resulting in the door opening during flight   Incident  Completed 
2009/10 09  30 Jan 2010 14:05  Avalon Airport  Aircraft departing airport cleared to climb through the operating altitude of another aircraft.   Airspace  Completed 
2009/10 08  30 Jan 2010 14:00  Daylesford  Radios in the aircraft failed preventing communication with either ground or air resources.  Maintenance  Completed 
2009/10 07  29 Jan 2010 15:39  Avalon Airport  During landing roll out the cabin door was opened to allow airflow into cabin for comfort. After parking aircraft it was realised that a camera in a canvas bag had fallen from open door onto the runway. Safety officer retrieved the camera and bag.  Incident  Completed 
2009/10 06  22 Jan 2010 18:45  Delegate Hill Fire  Interstate aircraft continued to operate in the fire area without monitoring agreed fire-CTAF or Area frequency creating potential for issues of seperation and collision  Airspace  Under Investigation 
2009/10 05  4 Jan 2010 17:54  Lake Mokoan  Pilot of AAS helicopter was required to take evasive action of a fixed wing aircraft undertaking air observer activities  Airspace  Under Investigation 
2009/10 04  3 Nov 2008 11:50  Pt Cook Airfield  Hovering helicopter undertaking rappel training was narrowly missed by a fixed wing aircraft landing on an adjacent runway  Airspace  Completed 
2009/10 03  15 Nov 2009 16:00  Linga Airbase  During taxi, the beacon light on the tip of the wing was broken after contact with a water tank adjacent to the loading bay.  Incident  Completed 
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  Completed 
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  Completed 
2008/09 47  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  Completed 
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  Completed 
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  Completed 
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  Completed 
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  Completed 
2008/09 41  3 Apr 2009 12:46  12 km NE Mallacoota  Helicopter struck a bird with main rotorblade.  Incident  Completed 
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  Completed 
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  Completed 
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  Reported 
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 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 the aircraft 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