Pilot Debrief

BOMBARDIER INC CL-600-2C10 near Kansas City, MO — 2010-04-18

Final reportCEN10IA219
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Date
2010-04-18
Location
Kansas City, MO, USA
Aircraft
BOMBARDIER INC CL-600-2C10
Registration
N160GJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The malfunction of the airplane’s aileron control system due to ice accumulation.

NTSB narrative

The airplane departed in heavy rain and climbed to altitudes where the ambient temperatures were below freezing. During the flight, the crew recognized abnormal turn execution while on autopilot and disconnected the autopilot. Control wheel forces were excessive and aileron response was limited. The crew’s attempts at corrective action, including a roll disconnect to isolate the left and right aileron control circuits, were unsuccessful, and they elected to divert to an alternate airport. While descending, high control wheel force input by the flight crew resulted in the left aileron control returning to normal operation. A few minutes later, the ambient temperature rose to above freezing and an uneventful landing was made. Examination of the control system did not reveal any areas where binding had occurred; however, the events of the flight were consistent with water accumulating in the aileron control system, freezing at higher altitudes, and temporarily binding the aileron control system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Flight crew could have diverted earlier upon noticing aileron control issues.

NTSB coding

  • Flight control sys malf/fail · Enroute-climb to cruise

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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