http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... twick.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , this was an unpleasant surprise for the Cuban crew...
DATE:24/05/10
SOURCE:Air Transport Intelligence news
Uncommanded roll on Cubana Il-96 forced return to Gatwick
By David Kaminski-Morrow
UK investigators are looking into an uncontrolled roll involving a Cubana Ilyushin Il-96-300 outbound from London Gatwick last month.
Russia's Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) says the aircraft, a seven-year old airframe registered CU-T1250, had departed Gatwick for Havana when the incident occurred on 28 April.
During the climb, as the crew engaged the automatic pilot, the aircraft started rolling to the right.
"The crew disengaged the autopilot, corrected the bank manually - with considerable physical effort - and decided to return to the departure airport," says MAK.
The crew jettisoned fuel from the Il-96 and landed safely. Two control units in the aircraft were replaced and, after checks, the jet was flown to Moscow Domodedovo.
MAK describes the event as "serious" and says the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch is studying the incident. Russian authorities are also conducting an inquiry.
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