 |
37000 Feet | Browse and search NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System |
|
Q400 captain was unable to control the rudder through the rudder pedals during descent. Passing 7;000 ft the pedals became usable and the rudder operated normally during the remainder of the approach and landing.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 980298 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201111 |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Q400 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Rudder Control System |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Captain Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical |
Narrative:
I reduced power to flight idle and attempted to re-trim the aircraft. While pushing right rudder to correct for the left yaw; I noticed that the rudder pedal deflects only a small amount and then stops. It felt like a limit stop; not an increase in effort required to move it. After trimming the aircraft with the manual trim knob; I then tried rudder input to the left side only to feel and see the same result. I asked the first officer to also carefully apply pressure to the rudder and reported the same limit to travel. The pfcs (powered flight control systems) [display] deflected only a half a needle width with the rudder pushed to the limit restriction. We called maintenance control and discussed the situation. Dispatch was informed and a decision to continue was agreed upon. We continued the flight and continued to check the rudder for freedom of movement. About 7;000 ft and turning left downwind to base; the rudder had a noticeable and physical release while being pressed and then functioned normally during the remainder of the approach; landing; and taxi to gate.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: Q400 Captain was unable to control the rudder through the rudder pedals during descent. Passing 7;000 FT the pedals became usable and the rudder operated normally during the remainder of the approach and landing.
Narrative: I reduced power to Flight Idle and attempted to re-trim the aircraft. While pushing right rudder to correct for the left yaw; I noticed that the rudder pedal deflects only a small amount and then stops. It felt like a limit stop; not an increase in effort required to move it. After trimming the aircraft with the manual trim knob; I then tried rudder input to the left side only to feel and see the same result. I asked the First Officer to also carefully apply pressure to the rudder and reported the same limit to travel. The PFCS (Powered Flight Control Systems) [display] deflected only a half a needle width with the rudder pushed to the limit restriction. We called Maintenance Control and discussed the situation. Dispatch was informed and a decision to continue was agreed upon. We continued the flight and continued to check the rudder for freedom of movement. About 7;000 FT and turning left downwind to base; the rudder had a noticeable and physical release while being pressed and then functioned normally during the remainder of the approach; landing; and taxi to gate.
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.