Aircraft icing and incipient stall - VH-UYI, overhead Gayndah NDB, Queensland, on 5 November 2008

AO-2009-003

Summary

On 5 November 2008 at about 1838 Eastern Standard Time1, the flight crew of a Saab Aircraft AB 340B, registered VH-UYI, identified an incipient stall while flying a holding pattern in icing conditions. The aircraft's stall warning system did not activate. The pilot in command disconnected the autopilot and recovered the aircraft from the stall. During the recovery manoeuvre, both engines exceeded their maximum continuous operating temperature for an extended period. The manufacturer's Aircraft Operating Manual stated that the Saab 340B stall warning system had an activation level designed for a clean wing only. The manufacturer has issued updated operating procedures for flight in icing conditions, designed to prevent ice build-up on the airframe.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AO-2009-003
Occurrence date 05/11/2008
Location Overhead Gayndah NDB
State Queensland
Report release date 29/06/2010
Report status Final
Investigation level Short
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Icing
Occurrence class Serious Incident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Saab Aircraft Co.
Model 340
Registration VH-UYI
Serial number 340B-283
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Air Transport Low Capacity
Departure point Moranbah, Qld
Destination Brisbane, Qld
Damage Minor