The airplane was in cruise flight at 12,500 feet when the pilot disengaged the autopilot to maneuver over mountains. Shortly, the airplane began banking uncontrollably; the pilot steadied the airplane with rudder. The flight controls were difficult to manipulate, a difficulty that grew in intensity as airspeed was reduced. The pilot declared an emergency, began a descent and proceeded to the nearest airport. After he was unable to locate the airport, the pilot elected to perform a wheels-up landing on a snow-covered field during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. Subsequent examination revealed no anomalies that could explain the stiff controls.
January 1, 2007, Walden, Colo., Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II
The airplane was in cruise flight at 12,500 feet when the pilot disengaged the autopilot to maneuver over mountains. Shortly, the airplane began banking uncontrollably; the pilot steadied the airplane with rudder. The flight controls were difficult to manipulate, a difficulty that grew in intensity as airspeed was reduced.
Key Takeaways:
- An aircraft experienced sudden, severe control difficulties, including uncontrollable banking and stiff flight controls, shortly after the pilot disengaged the autopilot.
- The pilot declared an emergency and attempted to divert but was forced to execute a wheels-up landing in a snow-covered field, causing substantial damage.
- Subsequent examination of the aircraft found no anomalies that could explain the reported flight control stiffness.
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