Serious incident to the ATR72 registered F-ORVO operated by Air Tahiti on 29/09/2025 at Nuku Hiva AD (French Polynesia)
Restriction in nose-down deflection then uncoupling of elevator controls during final approach
During the final approach, the crew experienced a restriction in the nose-down deflection of the elevator control on the captain’s side. The Pitch Uncoupling Mechanism (PUM) which separates the captain and co-pilot elevator controls, was activated by the nose-down inputs applied by the co-pilot who was PF at the time. The PUM system operated in accordance with its specifications and with what it was designed for, namely the jamming of the controls. It allowed the crew to control the aeroplane during the go-around up to the landing performed without difficulty by the co-pilot.
The pilots reacted in an appropriate way to the situation and continued to work together
until landing.
When requested by the BEA and ATR, Air Tahiti inspected all of the elevator control channel without finding any anomaly. Tests were also carried by the BEA and ATR to assess a possible link between the nose-down restriction and the presence of nests discovered in the aeroplane after the occurrence. The tests proved inconclusive.
No other anomaly affecting the elevator control was reported on the aeroplane after its return
to service.
The investigation was not able to determine what caused the restriction in the nose-down deflection of the elevator control.