Control - Other involving an Airbus A300-B4-203, VH-TAE, Sydney, New South Wales, on 28 March 1995

Whilst turning onto a right base leg for runway 16R, with the autopilot disconnected, right rudder input was unsuccessful, and the rudder appeared 'frozen'. After two unsuccessful attempts to deflect the rudder to the right the pilot applied left rudder which responded, although requiring the application of higher-than-normal force on the rudder pedal. Subsequent application of right rudder was successful but felt extremely stiff. A light 'tramping' was also felt through the pedals. The number 1 yaw damper was disconnected temporarily with no apparent change in control feel or response. The aircraft subsequently landed without further incident.

An investigation found seized bearings at the pilot's aft rudder input quadrant, requiring excessive input forces for rudder deflection. The bearings, shaft and support frame assembly were changed, which resulted in the system returning to normal operation.

There had been a history of rudder input problems since the aircraft's last scheduled maintenance in the United Kingdom in February, when the quadrant shafts had been changed as an inspection sampling program requirement.