Caravan Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 7000; Flight Crew Type 3200
Confusion; Physiological - Other; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Preflighted TKS anti-ice system earlier. Noticed TKS fluid streaming into cabin air vent intake at preflight. During training flight; pilots decided to land and take a break due to both having bad headaches. Both pilots noticed subtle TKS odor; both pilots had bad headaches; and both pilots noticed hands were sticky. TKS fluid is contaminating the aircraft cockpit ventilation system. Aircraft has a sticky film inside and out from TKS fluid. An MSDS I've seen for TKS fluid; mentions wearing eye protection; gloves; etc. It warns against breathing TKS fumes and coming in contact with fluid. Mentions TKS fluid exposure can cause headaches; eye irritation; symptoms of intoxication; kidney damage; brain damage; etc. Also mentions fluid is flammable. Not sure how an aircraft covered in a flammable liquid that is dangerous to humans was certified for use.
A C208 instructor and student noticed TKS fluid streaming into the cabin air vent intake during a TKS system preflight. Later during the training flight; both pilots developed headaches so they landed for a mid session break.