Caravan Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other; Troubleshooting; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Aircraft
TKS fluid (Hazmat) contamination of cockpit. In preflight noted TKS fluid from wing running down into cabin air intake on top of strut. While IFR in cruise; pilot operated TKS for 5 minutes. Captain and jumpseating pilot both immediately noted subtle chemical odor. Jumpseater immediately said his eyes were burning and he was beginning to get a bad headache. Captain noted his throat becoming irritated; dry; scratchy; and coughing. Jumpseater ran finger around inside of overhead vent in cockpit noted vent has sticky film. Aircraft has a film all over inside and out. Upon landing both pilots noted feeling dirty; like covered in a sticky film and having a strange bad taste on our lips and in our mouths. TKS MSDS lists major warnings about exposure to fluid and vapor. Both flammable and toxic results; such as effects such as symptoms of intoxication or narcotic use. Would like FAA to look into C208 TKS. Pilots very worried about experiencing effects of TKS contamination while trying to fly single pilot IFR; or even runway incursion possibilities. Please investigate C208 TKS crew contamination before someone gets hurt.
A C208 pilot noted he and a jumpseating pilot developed burning eyes; irritated throats and headaches after TKS system activation inflight. A sticky film was detected in overhead vent; in the cockpit and on the occupants.