Narrative:

Preflight briefing normal. Only exceptions; second 3 inop with applicable MEL restrictions. #2 rudder load limiter inop with applicable restrictions. Aircraft preflight; pushback; taxi and takeoff all normal/SOP. Approximately 50 miles east of our departure airport approaching 24000 ft with autopilot/autothrottle engaged; myself and first officer noticed a rapid yaw/roll. Myself and first officer simultaneously grabbed controls and disconnected the autopilot. I assumed control. The aircraft immediately responded to roll input back to wings level while simultaneously disconnecting the autothrust slowing from 310 KIAS to 250 KIAS and began a level off. I saw the beta target indicating a need for right rudder and began trimming back to center. We now realized the rudder had repositioned without command input. We had no ECAM at any time. First officer coordinated a return to our departure airport with ATC due to a flight control problem as an emergency aircraft; changed our destination in the FMGC; sent a message to dispatch; coordinated a cabin advisory with flight attendants; did a landing weight performance calculation (not in ACARS) due to second 3 inop and an overweight landing checklist along with many ancillary duties. To say he was busy is an understatement. The approach; landing and taxi to gate were all normal. We were met at the gate by assistant chief pilot who handled everything else for us.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An A319 rudder actuator failed in flight causing a hard rudder yaw and accompanying roll. The aircraft autopilot was disconnected; aircraft control regained; an emergency declared and the aircraft returned to land.

Narrative: Preflight briefing normal. Only exceptions; SEC 3 inop with applicable MEL restrictions. #2 rudder load limiter inop with applicable restrictions. Aircraft preflight; pushback; taxi and takeoff all normal/SOP. Approximately 50 miles east of our departure airport approaching 24000 FT with autopilot/autothrottle engaged; myself and First Officer noticed a rapid yaw/roll. Myself and First Officer simultaneously grabbed controls and disconnected the autopilot. I assumed control. The aircraft immediately responded to roll input back to wings level while simultaneously disconnecting the autothrust slowing from 310 KIAS to 250 KIAS and began a level off. I saw the beta target indicating a need for right rudder and began trimming back to center. We now realized the rudder had repositioned without command input. We had no ECAM at any time. First Officer coordinated a return to our departure airport with ATC due to a flight control problem as an emergency aircraft; changed our destination in the FMGC; sent a message to Dispatch; coordinated a cabin advisory with flight attendants; did a landing weight performance calculation (not in ACARS) due to SEC 3 inop and an overweight landing checklist along with many ancillary duties. To say he was busy is an understatement. The approach; landing and taxi to gate were all normal. We were met at the gate by Assistant Chief Pilot who handled everything else for us.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.