Corporate jet crew reported an aileron flight control malfunction during cruise at night. The crew descended to a lower altitude; regained aileron authority after completion of the checklist; continued to the destination; and landed safely.
Synopsis
Corporate jet crew reported an aileron flight control malfunction during cruise at night. The crew descended to a lower altitude; regained aileron authority after completion of the checklist; continued to the destination; and landed safely.
Narrative
In-Flight Report for Aircraft X Date: Day 0 Flight Route: ZZZ1 - ZZZSummary of Events:The aircraft departed from ZZZ1 at XA:24. The aircraft-maintained level flight at an altitude of FL380 for the first hour. Subsequently; the crew climbed to FL400 to avoid turbulence and optimize routing to ZZZ. At approximately XB:45; the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) noticed the aircraft swaying; with a bank angle oscillating between 1 and 3 degrees left and right. This movement persisted for several minutes; during which the crew monitored the situation. It was observed that the aileron trim was engaged in an attempt to counteract the oscillation. Upon recognizing this; the PIC disengaged the autopilot to assess the controls and gained manual control of the aircraft. The crew noted that both control columns were rigid; requiring significant input for roll control; while elevator functionality remained unaffected. The PIC instructed the Second-in-Command (SIC) to retrieve the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and execute the Jammed Aileron Checklist for the Gulfstream G200. This checklist required the crew to actuate the roll disconnect lever to identify which side was jammed; as specific systems would be impacted depending on the malfunctioning component. The crew communicated with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to request a lower flight level; opting against re-engaging the autopilot to retain manual control of the aircraft. The PIC maintained control while the SIC [requested priority handling] with ATC stating a control flight malfunction and requested a lower altitude to complete the checklist. The aircraft gradually descended to FL280 with PIC as the Pilot Flying. Once stabilized at this altitude; the crew reviewed the Jammed Aileron Checklist a second time; then began to run the Checklist for Jammed Alerion. Completion of the checklist indicated that the right aileron was jammed. The left side retained yoke authority; allowing for the autopilot to be re-engaged; confirming that the right system had failed confirmed by the notes in the QRH. After completing the checklist; the crew successfully re-engaged the autopilot. The SIC informed ATC of the completion of the checklist and the right aileron jam; assuring that full control of the aircraft was maintained. The flight was subsequently transferred to ZZZ Approach. Throughout this process; ATC was kept informed of the situation and any requests made by the crew. The ZZZ Tower was notified; and emergency services were placed on standby as part of standard operating procedures. Landing calculations were confirmed to comply with the QRH crosswind limitation of 14 knots; with actual conditions at 6 knots during landing. After all checklist items and briefings were conducted; crew began the approach phase and conducted a landing on Runway XX in ZZZ.The landing was executed normal within the situation parameters at XD:42. Following the landing; ZZZ personnel conducted an inspection of the runway and aircraft; reporting no debris or fluids present. The aircraft then proceeded to taxi normally to the FBO; where ZZZ Airport Ops and the Fire Chief followed the aircraft to the ramp. The crew confirmed with ATC before shutdown if any additional data or information was needed; to which ATC responded that the situation was resolved. ZZZ Ops Personnel received a verbal debriefing on the situation and confirmed that no report was required for the airport. Suggestions: Aircraft was operated in accordance with the QHR and all limitations were followed and complied with.
Second reporter narrative
On a flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ the flight crew encountered a jammed aileron while flying Aircraft X. While en route the Pilot-in-Command noticed the aircraft swaying with aileron trim engaged in an attempt to counteract the oscillation. The PIC disengaged the autopilot to assess the controls and determine the issue after noticing this. The crew noted that both control columns were rigid; requiring significant input for roll control. The PIC asked the Second-in-Command to grab the Quick Reference Handbook and read through the Jammed Aileron Checklist for the Gulfstream G200. The PIC maintained control with autopilot off while the SIC [requested priority handling] due to flight control malfunction. The PIC requested a lower altitude with a smooth slow steady descent from FL380 down to FL280. Once level at FL280 the SIC began the Jammed Aileron checklist This checklist required the crew to actuate the roll disconnect lever to identify which side was jammed. Upon pulling the roll disconnect lever; the left alerion maintained control while the right alerion stayed jammed. After completing the checklist; the crew successfully re-engaged the autopilot.The ZZZ Tower was notified; and emergency services were placed on standby. The landing was executed without further incident at XA:42.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.