Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Equipment / Tooling; Weather
While on climb out; I began to rapidly accumulate moderate rime icing at 6500 feet MSL at IMC conditions that continued on up to 9000 feet MSL. I activated the TKS system on high to address the airframe icing after reconfirming cabin heat/defog was off.About 5 minutes after turning on TKS; I noticed a burning sensation in both eyes and felt slightly disoriented as though under the effect of alcohol. Although I had checked all cabin airflow sources prior to takeoff due to anticipation of icing conditions; I immediately rechecked them and noticed the overhead air vent was not fully closed; producing a slight airflow directed towards my head. I closed the vent and coordinated a descent to MVA to get below the freezing level once clear of the restricted airspace. The burning sensation in my eyes cleared up about 5 minutes after closing the vent with the disorientation clearing about 10-15 minutes later. No other issues were noted once cabin airflow sources were cut off.Modify TKS system so airflow tainted with TKS from either the propeller or wings is not allowed to flow into the cockpit.
The pilot of a C208 reported that while operating in icing conditions; became physically affected by the use of the TKS anti-ice system.