After performing both Type I and Type IV de-icing approximately 15 minutes prior to takeoff a Dash 8-300 refused to rotate for takeoff until extraordinary control yoke inputs were applied by the pilot flying. Once airborne the flight crew initiated several maneuvers to determine functionality of the controls and then continued to their destination.
Synopsis
After performing both Type I and Type IV de-icing approximately 15 minutes prior to takeoff a Dash 8-300 refused to rotate for takeoff until extraordinary control yoke inputs were applied by the pilot flying. Once airborne the flight crew initiated several maneuvers to determine functionality of the controls and then continued to their destination.
Narrative
ZZZ was IMC with moderate snow. Type 1 fluid was applied followed by Type IV. About 15 minutes after being treated we were cleared for takeoff. At V1/Rotation speed I applied smooth back pressure on the yoke. Suddenly it felt like the yoke was sticking and the nose wouldn't come off the ground. I applied even more pressure and after about 3 seconds we became airborne. Once airborne I did roll and pitch corrections to see if anything was abnormal. Everything seemed to be working normally and we continued with no problems.Thanks to our training department and those other crews that have dealt with this we took all the precautions during our taxi checks even doing extra control checks with the elevator. So; when the event occurred; I can't honestly say I was ready for it but; thanks to the training department; I knew exactly what was occurring. This was my first time getting Type IV fluid on a Dash 8-300. We have had a few aborts due to failure to rotate [presumed to be] due to deicing [fluid anomaly] events. This seems to be an issue with the Dash 8-300s. Don't know the answer to this. I am sure it will occur again with the Dash 8-300s. There is something with the Type IV application. But again I want to thank our training department; and those that have had this happen to them that shared their experiences. With all the information that was gathered we were prepared.
NASA callback
The reporter expanded on his comments regarding the training company flight crews received with respect to the previous anomalies apparently related to Type IV fluid deicing and degraded elevator response on takeoff. The training center; in conjunction with Bombardier; has determined that the degraded elevator problem is transient and it is; therefore; acceptable to continue the takeoff using whatever degree of force is necessary to produce the appropriate angle of attack to fly. He further stated; however; that a readout of the FDR after his event revealed that 'nearly full' elevator deflection was utilized for rotation. When asked if the large deflection resulted in an 'overly aggressive rotation' for which corrective action was required he responded; 'No; the rotation seemed pretty normal.' He was not aware of the amount of deflection utilized under 'normal' conditions. Finally; he stated that; had the failure to rotate lasted 'another second or so;' he would likely have initiated an abort.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.