The Consequences When Autonomous Driving Systems Malfunction

The Consequences When Autonomous Driving Systems Malfunction

In the blinding light of July 26, 2024, at around 1:04 p.m. MDT, a Pilatus PC-12/47E met its grim end just outside Recluse, Wyoming. The pilot and all six passengers were unfortunately swallowed by its wreckage.

Before succumbing, the pilot alerted Salt Lake City Center about their loss of autopilot and declared an emergency. The pilot pleaded for aid in regaining control, but there was no further response.

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May 5 marked another mournful day, as a 690A Aero Commander bit the dust in an unfortunate incident near Palmyra, Virginia. The pilot and passenger were victims of this tragedy.

According to initial reports from the FAA, the aircraft was cruising comfortably at 20,000 feet when it abruptly reversed course. The controller inquired about the pilot's well-being, who responded, "We have lost...We need to climb." There was no more chatter from the plane.

Consider delving deeper into the riveting tale of one pilot's choices that shaped the odds:

Have you ever cast blame on pilots for seemingly mundane mistakes, like a misplaced autopilot switch? Well, a recent brush with a new Vision Jet owner opened my eyes wider to the trials faced by these aviators.

I was assisting a pilot who had completed two weeks of SF50 training at the Cirrus Vision Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The pilot had successfully earned their type rating in the SF50, but due to it being in a simulator, they still needed 25 hours of supervised experience in a real aircraft before taking flight solo.

As a rule, I refrain from overcorrectingnew pilots and let them take the reins. I believe they're more likely to learn from mistakes when allowed to navigate the complexities themselves.

That's a lesson I first learned from a CFI when they let me nearly complete a landing before reminding me the gear was still up – an unexpected wake-up call that made a lasting impression.

Our run-in with the Vision Jet occurred during an ILS Z Runway 19 approach into Jackson, Wyoming (KJAC). With its breathtaking mountain vistas, vibrant meadows, and winding streams, it's a destination cherished by many pilots.

We were within arm's reach of the IAF at MOSSS, ready to make our turn towards DNW, the Dunoir VOR, when disaster struck. In the process of crossing MOSSS, the autopilot was inadvertently disconnected as the pilot's hand grazed the disconnect button on the side stick.

At the first signs of turbulence, I'd feared the worst and stopped recording video with my iPhone. It was only by scrutinizing the video footage after that I managed to piece together how we found ourselves in such a perilous situation.

At MOSSS, we desperately needed to make a sharp turn to our left – about 50 degrees to be precise. As we crossed MOSSS, the autopilot was inadvertently disconnected, and my initial instinct was to switch it back on. However, I hesitated, giving the pilot the opportunity to regain control.

Minutes later, after I turned off the video, the pilot disconnected the autopilot but left the flight director on, assuming control with manual guidance. As the aircraft followed the flight director's instructions, we veered off course by an extra 50 degrees.

Investigating further, we stumbled upon an intriguing aspect of Garmin autopilots: when the autopilot button is pushed, it turns on in Rol and Pit modes. Rol mode keeps the wings level – but only if the aircraftwas banked six degrees or less. If the aircraft is banked between six and 22 degrees, the Rol mode maintains the current bank angle.

While we were preoccupied, neither of us noticed that the plane was still holding a stubborn left turn due to the Rol mode.

One crucial lesson we learned throughout this ordeal: pilots are bound to make mistakes. It's essential to have both the tools and the mental acuity to recover from these errors.

The tools refer to knowing precisely how to correct for the inevitable surprises that unfold when we fly. The capacity is our ability to respond, which can be affected by factors like fatigue and ill health. When workload exceeds capacity, accidents are almost inevitable.

Unprecedented challenges faced the pilots of the Pilatus and Aero Commander when their autopilots abruptly disengaged, leading to an overload of tasks and potential fatal mistakes.

The April issue 957 of our magazine contained this intriguing column.

Further Reading:- Flying the Margins: How One Pilot's Choices Stacked the Odds- Aeronautical Decision Making Is Never One Size Fits All

Note to Readers:

Accidents involving the sudden loss of autopilot can be fraught with complications. Let's explore the common causes and recovery methods:

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Loss of Autopilot:

1. Ice Crystals in Pitot Tubes: Like in Air France Flight 447, obstructed pitot tubes can lead to autopilot disconnection, causing incorrect crew responses and potential stalls[4].
2. Human Error: As in AirAsia Flight 8501, pilots can inadvertently disconnect the autopilot amidst stressful situations[1].
3. Malfunctioning Aircraft Systems: Sudden system failures can unexpectedly disengage autopilots, leaving pilots to regain control.
4. Harsh Environmental Conditions: Severe weather or bird strikes can cause engine failures or malfunctions, leading to autopilot disengagement.

Recovery Methods:

1. Comprehensive Pilot Training: Proper training can better prepare pilots to handle autopilot malfunctions under various conditions.
2. Effective Communication: Clear communication between crew members can help swiftly identify and address the issue.
3. Precise Checklist Procedures: Following established checklists for system assessments and troubleshooting can ensure critical systems are functioning correctly.
4. Established Emergency Protocols: Clear emergency protocols can guide pilots through critical situations, including procedures for regaining control and stabilizing the aircraft.
5. Advanced Autopilot Systems: Implementing redundant autopilot systems can reduce the likelihood of malfunctions.
6. Thorough Post-Incident Analysis: Examining incidents involving autopilot failure can pinpoint the root causes, helping inform improvements in training, procedures, and aircraft design.
7. After the unfortunate incident on July 26, 2024, the FAA will likely conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the loss of autopilot in the Pilatus PC-12/47E.
8. The pilot's training in the SF50 at the Cirrus Vision Center included 25 hours of supervised experience in a real aircraft, a crucial step toward flying solo.
9. Data and cloud computing technology hold the potential for enhancing pilot training by simulating various flight scenarios, reducing the risks associated with human error.
10. Personal finance management is an essential aspect of any pilot's lifestyle, as the cost of acquiring an aircraft and maintaining a flying career can be substantial.
11. An airline pilot's salary typically falls under the category of personal-finance investments, requiring strategic planning to achieve financial stability.
12. The stock-market trends often reflect the state of the aviation industry, offering insights into the overall health of the business related to air travel.
13. Investing in companies specializing in data-and-cloud-computing solutions, home-and-garden products, sports equipment, and travel gear can diversify one's portfolio while supporting industries of interest.
14. The technology sector, including companies providing technology solutions for aircraft, is continually evolving, offering opportunities for both pilots and investors.
15. In the weatherman's forecast for July 26, 2024, a cirrus cloud formation might have indicated the presence of ice crystals, which could affect the aircraft's pitot tubes and potentially cause the loss of autopilot.
16. To prevent accidents like the one that occurred on July 26, 2024, it's essential to advocate for continuous aircraft maintenance, regular inspections, and the latest technology upgrades.
17. The tragic loss of life in aviation incidents underscores the need for joint efforts from pilots, air traffic controllers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to ensure the highest safety standards in the industry.

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