Caravan 208B
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other
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
Aircraft; Company Policy
While doing a TKS check in flight I turn on TKS switch in normal mode for about 6 minutes to see if fluids was on the wing strut; it was; moved switch to high for about 2 minutes then checked windshield mode; the TKS smell came into the cockpit. Tasted on lips an tongue; a headache started; backup switch off; heat off; side vent closed; overhead vents closed; no oxygen used. After landing; had a shortness of breath; coughing while tying down the aircraft. Headache for about 2 hours; took two aspirins on the way home. Each time I have used the TKS in weather I get the same symptoms they seemed to last longer.
C208 pilot conducted the inflight TKS system check and during the windshield portion; smelled and tasted TKS fluid accompanied by a headache. His breathing difficulty continued after landing as repeated fluid exposure extends the physical symptoms.