A319 Captain reported a temporary loss of control in flight due to a flap control malfunction.

Date: 2024-03 · Aircraft: A319 · Phase: climb

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|inflight-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control

Synopsis

A319 Captain reported a temporary loss of control in flight due to a flap control malfunction.

Narrative

During the Engine Start Procedure; spoilers were armed and F/CTL (Control) SPLR (Spoiler) FAULT posted. IAW (In Accordance With) the F/CTL SPLR FAULT ECAM; 'Reset all three SECs (Spoilor Elevator Computer) one at a time by turning OFF for 3 seconds; then on' was performed. The F/CTL SPLR FAULT cleared. A Flight Control check was accomplished during the Before Takeoff Procedure with no anomalies noted. A valid Takeoff memo was observed during the Before Takeoff Checklist. During climb; F/CTL SPLR FAULT and F/CTL ELAC (Elevator and Aileron Computer) 2 PITCH FAULT posted. L1-4 (Left Wing) and R1-4 (Right Wing) Spoilers were indicating. Vertical 'up' arrows were above spoiler L4; L2; L1; R3; and R4. Upon request from the Company System; the Maintenance rep performed a visual inspection of both wings and reported spoilers were floating 4-6 inches. The Company System asked the Maintenance rep if one or more spoilers were fully extended. The Maintenance rep confirmed one or more spoilers were not fully extended. IAW the ECAM; when ELAC 2 was turned OFF then ON; the F/CTL ELAC 2 PITCH FAULT cleared. The airplane was notably left wing low and was out of trim. AP1 (Autopilot) was turned off and the aircraft banked slightly further left wing low. Left rudder pedal and trim was applied to trim out the sideslip. This also returned the wings to a more level position. A flight control check was performed; and no significant flight control issues were observed. Because 'one or more spoilers are fully extended' did not apply in the F/CTL SPLR FAULT ECAM; the crew decided to fly a Flaps Full approach with VREF (Landing Reference Speed) +15kt and no speed brakes. During the visual approach to [Runway] XXR; the flaps were extended from FLAPS3 to FLAPS Full resulting in an uncommanded roll to the left. The flying pilot countered the uncommanded left roll with immediate sidestick deflection to the right as the non-flying pilot raised the flaps from FLAPS Full to FLAPS3. The combination of immediate sidestick deflection to the right and the raising of the flaps from FLAPS Full to FLAPS3 returned the aircraft to a wings level; stable flight condition. The crew then configured the aircraft for a FLAPS3 VREF +15kt approach and landed on XXR.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.