Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On climbout at approximately 12;000 to 14;000 MSL we experienced an uncommanded rapid large rudder movement. The rudder deflected to the right (tail moving left) and resulted in the 'brick' being displaced approximately 1/2 out of center. The First Officer was flying at the time and had his feet on the floor. Normally I have my feet on the rudders (even as a non-fly) only below 10;000 and in turns. The course at that time was straight and we were in smooth air; thus my feet were on the floor as well. The deflection remained constant and required considerable trim to bring the plane into coordinated flight (slightly more than halfway to the first hash mark on the trim gage; which is 1/2 of full trim available). Either sometime during the trimming; or just after it was accomplished the 'YD 1 inoperative' status message appeared. After consulting the QRH for any unforeseen issues; cautions; or notes; we attempted to re-engage Yaw Damper (YD) 1. The YD re-engaged and remained active for the duration of the flight. At the time YD 1 was re-engaged the rudder sharply returned to its normal position without pedal input; requiring the trim to be returned to a normal position. While there were many comments from passengers; all were still seated and no injuries were reported. The flight attendant was up and close to the center of the plane (rotation area instead of side to side motion area) and able to hold on without falling. During the remainder of the climbout we were in contact with Dispatch and Maintenance Control. Since it seemed to be an isolated event; the decision was to continue to the destination (we were approximately halfway there by the time we had sorted it all out and made the decision). A write-up was made and Contract Maintenance performed a function check shortly after arriving.
CRJ200 Captain experiences a large rudder deflection during climb requiring a great deal of rudder trim to neutralize. Shortly after a YD 1 Status message appeared. After consulting the QRH the YD is reengaged and the rudder trim is no longer required. Flight continues to destination.