Agency Cites "Uncontrolled Pitch Trim Runaway" For The Action

The EASA has issued an emergency AD that grounds the  Falcon 7X fleet worldwide due to a problem with pitch trim. The document states that "no person may operate an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise specified by the Agency ... or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry."

File Photo

The AD document indicates that a Falcon 7X experienced an uncontrolled pitch trim runaway during descent. The crew succeeded in recovering a stable situation and performed an uneventful landing. Analysis of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Fault History Database (FHDB) confirmed the event, but did not allow explaining the origin of the pitch trim runaway.

This condition, if occurring again, could lead to loss of control of the airplane (sic), the AD states.

To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault Aviation has proposed to EASA to prohibit, from the effective date of this AD, any flight operations of Falcon 7X aeroplanes, to which EASA agrees by issuing this AD. This AD is considered to be an interim measure pending the outcome of the investigation currently carried out by the manufacturer. Further AD action is expected to follow when additional information is available.

The European AD has an effective date of May 27th, and states "From the effective date of this AD, all flights are prohibited." It applies to all serial numbers of the Falcon 7X. The Wall Street Journal reports that Dassault has sold 112 of the airplanes. The aircraft which had the problem was flying between Europe and Malaysia, and no passengers were reportedly on board.

FMI: http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2011_0102_E.pdf/EAD_2011-0102-E_1