EMB-170 Captain reported the stick shaker activated briefly during descent due to the Captain pulling the control wheel back and resultant airspeed loss.

Date: 2025-04 · Aircraft: EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR · Phase: descent

Anomalies: deviation-speed-all-types|inflight-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|inflight-event-encounter-weather-turbulence

Synopsis

EMB-170 Captain reported the stick shaker activated briefly during descent due to the Captain pulling the control wheel back and resultant airspeed loss.

Narrative

While on descent on the ZZZZZ [arrival]; ATC instructed us to maintain 310 kts or better. The ride was mostly smooth but then we started to get into a little it of light chop. I was PF and keeping a close eye on the airspeed while in the descent. I was overriding the throttles to keep them at idle and as the chop began to increase; the airspeed began to fluctuate and slowly increase; turning amber. Upon seeing the airspeed slowly continue increasing; I deployed full speed brakes to assist in slowing down; to no avail with the light chop we were in. With throttles at idle; full speed brakes deployed; I engaged TCS (Touch Control Steering) and firmly pulled the control wheel back; resulting in the airspeed quickly deteriorating and the stick shaker briefly activating for approximately 2 seconds. This was due to the perhaps aggressive nature I used to prevent the airspeed from reaching the barber pole. But I was trying to avoid an overspeed event and instead activated the stick shaker. I quickly stowed the speed brakes; relieved pressure on the control wheel and airspeed returned to our 310 kts. I further reduced airspeed to less than the 300 kts and instructed my FO to advise ATC we could it do 310 kts in the descent. We continued and landed normally.

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