Flap Track Failure Leads to Aileron Restriction During Simulated Emergency Climb-Out (N1298M)

Incident Description

During the climb-out from a simulated emergency landing, the pilot retracted the flaps. Shortly after, the pilot noted a lack of climb performance and checked the flap position. Although the flap handle indicated that the flaps were retracted, the pilot found that the flaps were not fully retracted. Additionally, the pilot observed that a circuit breaker had popped out. The pilot also noted that the left side flap was extended slightly more than the right side flap, and that the flap was visibly bent. The left side flap was restricting the left side aileron movement. The flight was diverted to a controlled airport where the pilot declared an emergency before landing without further incident.

Findings

Subsequent examination revealed that the inboard left side flap track was cracked and broken. The flap had deformed and contacted the aileron, restricting its movement. The failed track prevented the flap from retracting fully, despite the flap handle indicating a retracted position. The circuit breaker that had popped out was likely related to the flap system anomaly.