Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Weather
The flight up until initial descent was uneventful. During initial descent through FL390; pilot flying noticed the PITCH TRIM amber caution on the primary flight display. While holding the primary flight controls; the autopilot and yaw damper were disengaged in an attempt to re-trim the amber caution condition. A momentary pitch up condition was observed and promptly corrected manually. Attempts to trim the elevator with both the electric trim system and manually with the trim wheel were unsuccessful. The elevator trim appeared to be frozen and immovable at its current position approx 1/4 inch nose down from the takeoff trim position. The SAT temperature at cruise at 41;000 FT was -54C. Pilot flying maintained positive control manually and took control of the radios while I accomplished the Jammed Elevator Trim emergency checklist. With the emergency checklist complete; I called an Assistant Cheif Pilot (ACP) on the flight phone. I advised the ACP of the condition and that we would land as planned on the longest runway. ACP discussed returning however we were only 100 miles away from destination and we did not have sufficient fuel to return. I then advised ATC of the situation and that we would land at a reduced flap setting per the emergency checklist; and requested the longest runway. The remainder of the flight was uneventful. An emergency was not declared; and ATC advised that they may have emergency equipment standing by anyway. I advised ATC that emergency equipment was at their discretion; and that we did not believe it was necessary. Upon parking at the FBO; the elevator trim remained frozen in position slightly forward of the takeoff position. The aircraft was written up. This seems to happen in the XL/XLS fleet and is definitely a safety issue. During preflight on the ground prior to departure the trim was fully operational. It is a concern because we are unable to see the inner workings of the trim system in the tail as a crew during preflight; and are unable to prevent or become aware of it prior to occurrence inflight. I believe that we handled the situation professionally and deliberately; and we communicated well as a crew.
CE560 Captain experiences frozen elevator trim during initial descent from FL410. The Jammed Elevator Trim emergency checklist was complied with and the crew landed on the longest runway at their destination. The trim remains frozen after engine shutdown.