Caravan Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Weather
Stormy; low overcast; rainy day. Departed IFR. Climbing IMC to 11;000 ft; OAT 0*C; TKS system on 'normal' prior to entering possible icing conditions. Vents closed; heater off. TKS used for first half of the flight. While inflight noted TKS chemical odor in cockpit; eyes burning; and difficulty breathing. Noticed; although side vents were placed completely closed; there was still some airflow coming in and apparently sprayed TKS mist in pilots eyes. Symptoms pilot experienced were same as warned about on TKS Material Safety Data Sheet. After landing and parking; multiple ramp personnel complained of residual TKS fluid dripping on them from above. Ramp personnel were advised to immediately go inside and wash it off per MSDS instructions. Aircraft is not pressurized so it is not air tight. Multiple crews regularly getting symptoms of TKS exposure. I notice when there is an odor in the cockpit there are effects. However there is not always an odor; seems to be several variables. Should be a TKS fluid reserve requirement similar to IFR fuel requirements; aircraft has range issue in weather.
A C-208 pilot reported burning eyes and breathing difficulty after TKS fluid use in flight with the wing vents closed and heater OFF. After flight ramp agents were exposed to dripping fluid and completed decontamination procedures.