Cargo plane landing problems investigated
CREW training has been improved following autopilot and elevator control issues on a BAe ATP cargo plane.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch has investigated the flight from Jersey to Guernsey on 26 January and its report said there were a number of issues.
But because the crew did not realise it was a reportable serious incident, the cockpit voice recording was not preserved and certain autopilot components were removed from the aircraft before the AAIB was notified.
The aircraft, operated by Atlantic Airlines, was approaching at 7.50pm in a strong crosswind. The crew reported the autopilot would not disengage.
A manually-flown 'go-around' from low altitude was undertaken, and, during that time, the newly-qualified co-pilot, who had completed the training course for that type of aircraft only the previous month, and commander, who had more than 1,500 hours of flying experience on that type of aircraft, reported a strong pitch-up tendency.
After this, the crew were alerted to the activation of the standby control system, with the elevators operating in split control.
Elevator control system problems distracted the crew during the go-around, the report stated, meaning they did not follow standard procedure, resulting in the late retraction of gear and flaps.
