Cessna 208B Caravan Malfunctioning Autopilot 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 288
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 an autopilot malfunction, including uncommanded descent and inability to disengage, suspected to be caused by water accumulation near the pitch servo.
- An engine in a Piper PA-28R-201T failed in cruise due to a sheared oil pump drive shaft.
- Multiple cylinder heads on a Cessna 414A's engine were found cracked from the spark plug boss to the intake valve area, leading to fuel stains and low compression.
- A newly installed starter on a Cessna T206H repeatedly failed due to a cracked mount after very few operational hours.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
