Cracks And Malfunctions

During flight, the autopilot started to disconnect on the pilot. On the third attempt to engage the autopilot, the aircraft made a sudden, uncommanded 1500-fpm descent. The pilot used control-wheel steering and the autopilot disconnect button, but the autopilot would not disengage. He overpowered the autopilot to regain control; the autopilot remained on after he pulled the circuit breaker. He recycled the breaker and was successful in disconnecting the autopilot. The pilot also reported the electric trim switch seemed to work backwards. Maintenance personnel found water accumulated behind the rear curtain where the pitch servo is located.

Key Takeaways:

• A Cessna 208B experienced a severe autopilot malfunction, causing an uncommanded 1500-fpm descent and difficulty disengaging, with water later found near the pitch servo.
• Two engine-related failures were reported: a Teledyne Continental engine failed in cruise due to a sheared oil pump drive shaft, and multiple Engine Components Inc. cylinder heads developed cracks.
• A Skytech starter repeatedly cracked its mount/bell housing shortly after installation, leading to repeated failures on a Cessna T206H.
• A Kelly heater was found to have a 0.75-inch-long crack in its combustion tube during a pressure-decay test.

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