Accident Probes

Autopilot Malfunctions

Editorial Staff

Saturday, June 03, 2023 at 09:10 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple reports detail Garmin GFC 600 autopilots in Cessna 208B aircraft experiencing uncommanded pitch-down movements, autopilot re-engagement issues, and 'porpoising' in pitch.
Other autopilot systems also suffered critical failures, including an S-Tec autopilot causing a pitch servo to trim full nose-down and a Honeywell mode controller failing with electrical smoke.
One incident reported an autopilot tripping off, immediately followed by a mechanical jamming of the ailerons, requiring significant control wheel pressure.

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Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

Uncommanded Pitch Down

Editorial Staff