Dash 8-100
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 79; Flight Crew Total 11000; Flight Crew Type 9556
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
During climb out; as flying pilot I went to adjust the rudder trim. While manipulating the rudder trim switch the switch broke causing the trim to deflect much more than intended.I managed to reduce the input trim slightly before the switch stopped working entirely. There was still excessive right rudder trim in place requiring constant left rudder to compensate.I informed the Captain of issue; attempted to trouble shoot. Captain then called dispatch/maintenance and they eventually decided to divert us for an aircraft swap. Landed; deplaned; accepted new plane reboarded and continued flight.
The DHC-8 First Officer was trimming the rudder when the switch broke; necessitating a diversion to a nearby airport.