Q400 Flight Crew experiences TCAS RA shortly after takeoff commanding maximum climb and showing zero separation. Warning continues until TCAS circuit breaker is pulled at the direction of Maintenance.
Synopsis
Q400 Flight Crew experiences TCAS RA shortly after takeoff commanding maximum climb and showing zero separation. Warning continues until TCAS circuit breaker is pulled at the direction of Maintenance.
Narrative
Just after takeoff; passing 1000' AGL; no traffic in area; got TCAS RA 'do not descend'; followed by 'monitor vertical speed'. Continued climb. First Officer remarked he had had a similar problem in this aircraft previously. Passing FL 180; RA remained on; RA demanded >2500 feet per minute rate of climb. MFD RA showed target at 0.0 nm; 0' elevation difference; i.e.; our position and altitude. Contacted Maintenance Control passing 10;000'. MEL'ed TCAS; RA went away when CB pulled. First Officer reports this aircraft had similar occurrence about 2 months ago. In that case; passing 1000' AGL; gave them 'descend' RA followed by 'terrain' GPWS. There was traffic in the area that time; but none that close. First Officer reports that Maintenance stated that this aircraft has had many TCAS issues. First Officer filed report. Resolution for that report was 'no other reported issues with this aircraft.' It appears this aircraft periodically sees itself and issues an RA to avoid itself. Apparently this is a recurring issue with this aircraft which has the potential for disaster. Looking forward to some feedback regarding the resolution of this issue. Apparently there is an aircraft filtering problem where the aircraft detects itself and issues an RA.
Second reporter narrative
While departing ZZZ; at acceleration height; I received an RA to 'do not descend; monitor vertical speed.' I complied with the RA and kept climbing. The MFD showed traffic at 0.0 NM and same altitude; that is at our exact position. The RA did not disappear; and after awhile it was clear that there was no traffic in our vicinity. Passing through 10;000 feet I lowered the nose slightly and I got the warning to 'climb; climb;' I maintained a constant pitch attitude and after another minute or so I got the warning to 'increase climb rate.' During this time the Captain was talking with Maintenance. The RA continued until the TCAS circuit breaker was pulled at approximately FL180. This is second time I have had a false RA in this aircraft.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.