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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 2, 2011 · Cessna 560XL · N576CS

Ocoee, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
December 2, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Ocoee, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 560XL
Tail Number
N576CS
Operator
Citationshares Management
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
ERA12IA097

The flight crew reported that a "pitch trim miscompare" message illuminated in the cockpit just before they were to level off at 41,000 feet mean sea level (msl). After accomplishing the checklist items and disconnecting the autopilot, the flight crew had to exert considerable forward yoke pressure to maintain level flight. The flight crew found the manual pitch trim control wheel to be "frozen" in the forward position and were unable to move it. They declared an emergency and initiated a descent. Upon reaching 8,000 feet msl, the trim wheel released and the system returned to normal. The airplane landed uneventfully. Maintenance personnel inspected the left and right pitch trim actuators and found that the grease was contaminated with water. The actuators had been inspected and lubricated within the required 1,200-hour interval.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-Elevator tab control system-Malfunction - C

Full Narrative

On December 2, 2011, about 1228 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 560XL, N576CS, landed at Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando, Florida, following an in-flight pitch trim malfunction that occurred near Ocoee, Florida. The airline transport-rated pilot and co-pilot were not injured. The airplane was not damaged. The airplane was registered to CitationShares Sales, Inc. and operated by CitationShares Management LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand air taxi flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Naples Municipal Airport, Naples, Florida, at 1150 and was destined for Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia. The flight crew reported the following. While approaching their level off altitude of flight level 410, a "Pitch Trim Miscompare" message illuminated in the cockpit. After accomplishing the checklist items and disconnecting the autopilot, considerable forward yoke pressure was required to maintain level flight. The crewmembers found the manual pitch trim control wheel to be "frozen" in the forward position and were unable to move it. The crew declared an emergency and diverted to MCO. During the descent for landing, upon reaching 8,000 feet mean sea level, the trim wheel released and the system returned to normal. The crew cancelled the emergency and landed at MCO uneventfully. After the aircraft was secured, maintenance personnel inspected the flight control system. The grease in the left and right elevator trim actuators was found to be contaminated with water. The trim actuators were replaced and the airplane was returned to service. According to the operator, the elevator trim actuators were last inspected and lubricated 562 hours prior to the incident. The inspection requirement for the actuators was at 2,400 hours initially and at 1,200-hour intervals thereafter.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time12:28 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 560XL
Tail NumberN576CS
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorCitationshares Management
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PW545B · Turbofan · 4119 | P&W Canada · PW545B · Turbofan · 4119
Seats11

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 62 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 62 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 10 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data