DASH 8 flight crew reports a rejected takeoff when the Captain senses a large amount of apparent right aileron trim during the takeoff roll. Upon return to the gate it is discovered that the number 2 aileron spring tab hinge is bent and the spring tab mechanism is broken. The aircraft had been subjected to strong winds and rain during tropical storm.
Synopsis
DASH 8 flight crew reports a rejected takeoff when the Captain senses a large amount of apparent right aileron trim during the takeoff roll. Upon return to the gate it is discovered that the number 2 aileron spring tab hinge is bent and the spring tab mechanism is broken. The aircraft had been subjected to strong winds and rain during tropical storm.
Narrative
We were operating as a ferry flight. We pushed off the gate; started the Number 2 engine; and noticed a #2 DC GEN HOT caution light. We ran the checklist; turned off the #2 DC Generator; and the light did not extinguish. The aircraft had experienced a lot of rainfall and heavy winds due to hurricane and it sat at the gate there for the past 2 nights. We figured it was just water that got into the cannon plugs and the fix would be quick. We taxied back to the gate with the #1 engine; shut down; and contract maintenance came over. He fixed the problem and we were out again. During the flight control check just before takeoff I did not notice any abnormalities. We were cleared for takeoff. It was the Captain's leg to fly. He advanced the power levers. As the aircraft started gaining airspeed on the takeoff roll the control yoke started deflecting to the right. The Captain had to forcefully bring the control yoke to the neutral position and upon releasing some control resistance it deflected completely to the right again. The Captain rejected the takeoff and I informed Tower that we were rejecting the takeoff.We returned to the gate and upon inspection with the mechanic we noticed that the hinge for the #2 aileron was bent. The mechanic climbed up on the ladder for further inspection. The mechanic barely touched the aileron spring tab and the spring tab mechanism fell apart; showing an obvious metal fatigue crack in the support base. I did not notice any abnormalities during my walk around and preflight inspection before the flight occurred. Maybe better maintenance inspections or a better design for the stress-prone spring tab components.
Second reporter narrative
We pushed back and taxied out to runway and we completed all check lists including the flight control check. As I took control of the yoke on a rolling takeoff I noticed it was fully deflected to the right. I glanced over to the F/O to see if he was holding it there; he was not. I centered the yoke; I briefly let go and it fully deflected to the right again and it took a lot of force to hold it in the neutral position. At that point I rejected to the takeoff [and] pulled off the runway. We did another control check; forces seemed normal at that point. We contacted Maintenance Control; they advised us to return to the gate so that it could be checked out. While waiting for contract MTC; Maintenance Control suggested we look at the aileron spring tab as a possible culprit. We noticed the bracket for the #2 aileron seemed to be bent. We pointed this out to the mechanic; as soon as he touched it; it separated from the wing. At that point the flight was canceled and we were dead headed back to base.It seems that bracket bent somehow either through some internal issue; or possible due to the high winds from tropical storm that passed through the day before.
NASA callback
This reporter states that the DASH 8 is equipped with a gust lock for the ailerons and elevators; but it does not lock the spring tab which is often observed to be fluttering rapidly in strong winds. The roll spoilers are designed to be able to overcome any aileron deflection in flight if necessary.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.