questions about the Dash 8 Q
 

I am trying to figure out a few things. I am frustrated that the media is basically saying pilot error when we don't even know if the deice system was working yet. I have a few questions that I am going to relay to a media source at CNN and FOX to get this story back on track and to stop the focus on if they did or did not have a/p on in ice.

Does the Q have some sort of audible alert to let the pilots know if the trim was being activated by the Autopilot? If so, is it something one would notice if it were often activated during that stage of the approach.

Second question: I understand you can get a deice disconnect or malfunction on low RPM which makes sense as there is a lack of air pressure from the engine. Has anyone heard of this or can anyone tell me more about it and how obvious it is to the pilots.

Third Question: If they pilots is there an SOP telling you to switch from 3 minute to 1 minute on the deice system at a certain stage of an approach or icing condition. Could the crew have left it in 3 which would contribute to the crash?

you need to listen to the NTSB press conferences for your info.

thanks but I have. There is no mention of the deice system working or not. In fact, that was even a question today and he didn't know. Plus they aren't saying anything about audible trim alert in the plane or anything about the deice failure problem. It could very well be that the deice system failed as the plane went into low rpm for the approach. THAT would clear the pilots! Regardless of autopilot the plane would be destined to crash if the deice system failed.

If there is any media person here. Please do not use the term "pilot error" loosely. You have to understand that there are many many stupid people out there and will take that term quite literally. Please confirm with an aviation specialist before making any claims. If the word "pilot error" has not come out of the NTSB, there is absolutely no reason why it should be claimed even if you are speculating. Thank you.

Holy crap! NO NO NO NO. I am not with the media at all. I am a pilot and have been for a long time that gets ****ED when the media misreports stuff. I just want to know about the plane. I PROMISE YOU that nothing in here will be quoted. I am just trying to understand. I am not a writer in any way as you can probably tell from the way I write here..lol I don't work for the media in anyway. I just happen to know two people that do. I can get in their ear to get this darn thing reported correctly. That's it! I am not an idiot and don't' appreciate the childish remark. I am on the same side you are. If they blame the pilots for having a/p on and the A/p does make a chirp or something when in motion then we all know the pilots would notice a significant amount of chirps and wouldn't let it get to where it was overloaded. I just don't know if that is an option with this plane. I have flown the 727, 737 and a few other turbo-props that DO have a sound made when AP is engaged and trim is activated. however, the 767 doesn't have this feature. So, does the Q? So, do you understand where I am going with this. If anyone can MAYBE get some of the media to at least focus on equipment failure as more of a possibility then that is better. Don't you think? Yea, we don't' want to admit it but it could very well be pilot error. However, IT MAY NOT BE! So, help me help this please and stop saying I am an idiot!

If the NTSB doesn't know if the de-icing system was working, what makes you think anybody on an online message board would know?

I for one question any new member on APC forums these past few days. I am hesitant to give detailed info on the accident to someone who asks so many questions.

Also, what was the decision making process on choosing a name "icywings" days after ice sent my friend and others to their death. To me it is tasteless, and this is coming from someone with the screen name "The Juice"

And it will be found out IN DUE TIME maybe after 2 years!!! This thing will be forgotten very quickly. If you want to help in the mean time, tell your media friends not to report anything that's not factual and to imply anything.

We'll probably have to wait for a more detailed accident analysis for the verdict on that.

I imagine that most aircraft black-boxes only monitor switch position and most likely valve position, but probably not actual pressure within the boots. So they will likely have to look closely at the wreckage and make a determination as to whether or not the boots were, in fact, working.

I could be wrong on that, as I'm not an expert on all the parameters that the black-box records on the aircraft.

If the pilots are going to be cleared - they will be cleared in time by the NTSB investigation running it's course. That, of course, could take up to a year or more for the final findings to come out. Until then we won't have much more information other than tidbits from the press and speculations. Accident investigation is a very intensive and scientific process.

I am not saying anyone here would know. However, someone with Q flight time in Ice on approach would know that how often the system kicks off from low rpm and low pressure! Right? I just want to know how it happens and how often it happens to see if that is a possible option here. Again, that would clear the pilots. The NTSB said the system was working but the pilots noticed a significant build-up. WHY? If the system was working they wouldn't have a big build up...right? Ok, I guess they could right before the boots blow but they don't say that on the CVR.

Oh, the comment calling me an idiot is gone. Thank you! I am honestly on the pilots side! I am a pilot have two brothers that are pilots and am in a unique situation where I can get RIGHT into the ear of people at CNN and FOX. I don't mean some associate producer either.