Cessna 340/340A
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 2670; Flight Crew Type 2000
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
IFR flight plan with amended clearance. Take off from Lincoln Park Airport; which is close to Newark; was uneventful and initial climb was normal. At about 1;000 FT autopilot began to malfunction; made a number of abrupt uncommanded turns which caused a course deviation. [I] had some directional control issues as a result of autopilot problems. This continued for a short period of time; between 1;000 FT and 2;500 FT during climb. Shut down autopilot; still malfunctioned; and then pulled circuit breaker which resulted in complete deactivation of autopilot. By this point aircraft was off course and; as a result of autopilot problems; badly out of trim. [I] had to throw myself on the mercy of ATC and advise concerning problems. Was given a series of vectors to re-establish aircraft on proper course and [had] to adjust for proper altitude. After re-establishing control of the aircraft; resumed course set forth in flight plan and completed rest of trip without incident.
A Cessna 340 pilot suffered abrupt and uncommanded turns shortly after takeoff due to a malfunctioning autopilot on an IFR flight. A complete electrical shutdown of the autopilot allowed control to be regained manually and the flight was completed as planned.