Autopilots

While in IFR cruise at 4000 feet, the pilot observed the flight director command bars move out of view as the airplane started a gradual descent. When the pilot corrected, the electric trim started to run nose down and the aircrafts descent rate increased. The pilot attempted to disconnect the autopilot and trim with the control switches and the red disconnect switch. None of this had any effect. With the turbulence and conditions, the pilot was unable to reach the autopilot and electric trim circuit breakers. After all other remedial procedures had failed, he shut off the avionics master switch at about 1000 feet and recovered the airplane at about 500 feet.

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple aircraft experienced autopilot malfunctions, including uncommanded rapid descents, runaway trim, and abrupt altitude deviations.
• Standard autopilot disconnect switches frequently failed, compelling pilots to take more drastic measures like pulling circuit breakers or shutting off the avionics master switch to regain control.
• Other reported issues included electrical odors and smoke from faulty autopilot components, as well as jammed ailerons requiring significantly increased control pressure.

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