Accident at DAUPHIN (LT. COL W.G. (BILLY) BARKER, VC APRT) MB (CYDN)

2003-03-13: TGO 984, a Beech King Air C90, was at FL 220 en route from Winnipeg to Prince Albert when the crew reported severe tail vibration to ATC. They declared an emergency and diverted the flight to Dauphin, 25 NM to the northeast. The aircraft landed safely at Dauphin at 1650Z with emergency services on standby. Initial information is that an elevator trim tab rod broke during flight. The aircraft will be examined by Aircraft Services personnel at Dauphin. TSB will conduct a Class 3 investigation into the occurrence and a Minister's Observer will be appointed from System Safety Winnipeg.

2003-03-14: UPDATE TSB reported that the Transport Canada Beech King Air C90A, C-FGXU, was in cruise flight at FL 220 en route from Winnipeg to Prince Albert when the crew heard a loud bang followed by a sudden severe tail vibration. The crew disconnected the autopilot and applied forward nose-down pressure on the control column in an effort to reduce the vibration. The crew declared an emergency and requested a diversion to Dauphin, 25 NM NE of their position. The aircraft landed safely at 1050 CST. Maintenance personel were dispatched and initial indications are that the left elevator trim tab actuator rod had failed in flight.