Incident Overview
On February 9, 2020, an ATR72 aircraft, registration SP-SPD, experienced an in-flight anomaly while descending near Cologne/Bonn Airport (EDDK) in Germany. The crew received a "FLT CTL" indication on the C.A.P. warning panel accompanied by a "FLAPS ASSYM" alarm, signaling asymmetry in the flap system. The crew reported no noticeable changes in the aircraft's aerodynamic or handling characteristics.
Crew Actions
In response to the warnings, the flight crew consulted the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and executed the procedure for landing with the flaps retracted. The subsequent landing was conducted without issue.
Post-Flight Examination
After landing, an operational test of the flap asymmetry system was performed. The test results were normal, and no recurrence of the problem was observed during subsequent flights.
Investigation Outcome
The investigation, conducted by the user of the aircraft and reviewed by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (Państwowa Komisja Badania Wypadków Lotniczych), did not determine a cause for the incident. No contributing circumstances were identified. The operator committed to briefing both flight and technical personnel on the circumstances and sequence of events. No additional safety recommendations were formulated.