NTSB Factual Report

On December 13, 2010, about 0830 eastern standard time, a Piaggio P180, N140SL, operated by Avantair Inc., sustained no damage when the airplane’s flight controls bound during approach to the Port Columbus International Airport (CMH), near Columbus, Ohio. The two pilots and two passengers were not injured. Marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was operating on an activated instrument flight rules flight plan. The business flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91K. The flight departed from the Westchester County Airport (HPN), near White Plains, New York, about 0700, and was destined for CMH.

According to the operator, the flight departed HPN and initially leveled off at a pressure altitude of 26,000 feet. An indicated airspeed caution light illuminated. The flighcrew performed the abnormal checklist for the number two air data computer failure and selected the number one computer to continue with for the remainder of the flight. During the descent in to CMH at about 15,000 feet the yaw damper disengaged while the autopilot remained on. The captain instructed the first officer who was the pilot flying to check the freedom of the flight controls. The first officer found the ailerons, elevator, and rudder to be "frozen" in place. The flightcrew exerted enough pressure until the controls broke free with a “snap.” The flight controls remained "stiff and sticky" for the remainder of the flight. The flightcrew performed a normal approach and landing on runway 28L. Once on the ground the flight controls and nose wheel steering became inoperative. The flightcrew used differential power and braking to taxi to the ramp.

A post flight inspection by maintenance personnel revealed ice in the fuselage belly area of frame 36 and around the primary flight control cables and pulleys in that area. The ice was warmed by heaters and removed from the fuselage belly. The fuselage drain holes were inspected for obstructions and general condition. No anomalies were detected. The fuselage belly was towel dried and the airplane was returned to service.

At 0851, the recorded weather at CMH was: Wind 310 degrees at 8 knots; visibility 4 statute miles; present weather light snow and mist; sky condition overcast 2,200 feet; temperature -9 degrees C; dew point -12; altimeter 29.73 inches of mercury.

On December 20, 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration issued emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-01-53 to all known U.S. owners/operators of Piaggio P180s. The AD, in part, stated:

Unsafe Condition ...

(e) This emergency AD was prompted by three incidents of the flight

controls jamming on Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes. Water or fluid

accumulating and freezing when the aircraft reaches and holds altitudes

where the temperature is below the freezing point may cause the flight

controls to jam with consequent loss of control. ...

Inspection and Corrective Actions

(g) Unless already done in compliance with emergency AD 2011-01-51,

before further flight, do the following actions using the instructions in

Appendix 1 of this AD.

(1) Remove the central floor panels in the cabin and inspect the fuselage

belly; and

(2) Functional test the fuselage drain holes.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of water to properly drain through the fuselage drain holes, thus becoming trapped and freezing around the flight control cables, which resulted in the loss of control authority to the airplane's ailerons, elevator, and rudder.