Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 21; Flight Crew Total 911; Flight Crew Type 900
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Weather
Center advised me of possible rain 4 miles ahead. I entered heavy rain immediately. Autopilot did not disengage and made a hard right turn. The autopilot cut off switch failed and I had to overpower the autopilot pulling the autopilot circuit breaker. Pilot regained control at 4000 FT at a 180 degree north heading. Center handed me off to Approach and I stayed at 4000 FT for the rest of the flight. I landed without incident.
The Reporter stated that the autopilot did not disengage using either the yoke or forward panel disconnect buttons. The aircraft was equipped with a G1000 navigation system coupled to a G700 autopilot. Upon return to his home airport the aircraft was inspected. The only malfunction a Mechanic could locate was a loose autopilot servo connection which had some moisture in it. The aircraft has been flown since this event and performed normally.
A C182RG entered heavy rain and made a hard right descending turn while the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to disconnect the G700 autopilot.