ACRJ-700 flight crew reported an APU door malfunction; and subsequent Anti-Ice Duct warning; which precluded the ability to operate in icing conditions.
Synopsis
ACRJ-700 flight crew reported an APU door malfunction; and subsequent Anti-Ice Duct warning; which precluded the ability to operate in icing conditions.
Narrative
Leaving originating airport; APU door would not close. Speed thereafter was limited to 220 KIAS. Altitude initially limited to FL240 but later was able to climb to FL310 as our weight decreased. En route we ran into inclement weather and were unable to climb above it. In icing conditions; we utilized our wing and cowl anti ice. A few moments after; we received a Master warning 'Anti Ice Duct'. As led by the QRH; we turned off our anti ice equipment and searched for our closest option out of icing. As the Captain queried ATC as to the bases of the clouds; we saw a brief opening of clear air off to our right. There was some initial confusion with ATC as to why we needed to deviate from our current flight path. In effort to not lose the opportunity we began our turn just prior to ATC clearing us to do so. We were able to parallel our course for a short time and return soon after. After this; and still with our speed and altitude restrictions; ATC [requested priority handling] on our behalf to our limitations; sequencing into destination and VIP presence in there. From then on the flight continued safely and a normal landing was made. Cause: APU door failed in an unknown position limiting speed and altitude. Anti Ice duct prohibited us from flying in icing conditions. Additional factors as to why [priority handling was requested] include large flow of traffic going into destination and heightened security measures at the airport.Suggestions: I think it would be tough to predict either failure. Continuing to destination seemed like the best decision based on icing forecasts and reported weather.
Second reporter narrative
APU door failed to close on departure giving us APU door open caution and APU door status. Altitude limited to FL240 due to weight at APU door speed. Lower altitude left us in IMC avoiding weather. Once at FL310 as we had burned off weight to climb; the Anti ice duct master warning EICAS populated. The QRH told us to turn off the wing anti ice and leave icing conditions. I queried ATC for bases and they were confused by our requests so I told them we were turning right to leave the icing where the First Officer and I had last seen clear air. While ATC did eventually come to understand the situation; I believe my turn to exit may have been just prior to them clearing us to do so. We rejoined our course when it would not have required flying into further icing conditions. ATC [requested priority handling] on our behalf for our inability to go faster; higher; remain perfectly on course; and for a small mention of potential VIP movement. We continued to our destination safely.Cause: APU DOOR failure to show closed and associated APU door open caution restricted speed and altitude. ANTI ICE DUCT master warning restricted ability to fly in icing conditions.Suggestions: No simple solution due to limited divert options given weather conditions and inability to fly through ice normally. Safest course of action as determined by us at the time was to continue to our destination as it was known to be warm enough to not have ice.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.