Linked

The pilot could not pull the right engines condition lever into the fuel cutoff position; the firewall shutoff was used to shut down the engine. Inspection revealed the linkage between the power lever and the condition lever on the fuel control unit was corroded and the linkage jammed with residue. The linkage was cleaned and lubricated, and the aircraft returned to service.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Various aircraft control linkages, including those for engine power and landing gear, experienced failures due to corrosion, obstructions, breakage, or improper installation/rigging.
These linkage issues led to critical operational problems such as loss of engine power control (inability to cut off, reduce, or achieve full throttle) and even landing gear collapse.
Resolutions typically involved cleaning, lubrication, removal of foreign objects, re-rigging, or proper reinstallation and replacement of components.

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Beechcraft Model 200 King Air

Binding Fuel Control Unit Linkage

The pilot could not pull the right engine’s condition lever into the fuel cutoff position; the firewall shutoff was used to shut down the engine. Inspection revealed the linkage between the power lever and the condition lever on the fuel control unit was corroded and the linkage jammed with residue. The linkage was cleaned and lubricated, and the aircraft returned to service.