Gulfstream G200 (IAI 1126 Galaxy)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
The crew performed a normal departure and a normal climb out to FL410 and a cruise speed of .78m. Approximately 10 minutes after level off at FL410; we experienced a slight pitch oscillation in conjunction with an amber elevator (E) indication on the PFD. The oscillation continued; trending in a climbing pitch attitude of about 2-3 degrees nose up and a red elevator (E) indication on the PFD. I disconnected the autopilot to regain control of the pitch instability and began to detect an electrical smoke odor. No smoke was visible; but the odor persisted. The passengers also detected the odor; which dissipated within a few minutes. We elected to [request priority handling] and notified ATC that we would be turning toward the shoreline and requested vectors to the nearest suitable airport. After our initial turn and descent were established; and while continuing to hand fly; the aircraft began to vibrate and rumble for approximately 3-5 seconds. This prompted me to pull the throttles back and slow from our normal descent speed of .78m or 300 kts. to about 250 kts. We were then cleared to FL220 and given a clearance direct to ZZZ. A normal descent; approach; and landing were performed and the aircraft was landed safely without further incident.
The flight was normal leading up to the event that took place in the cruise phase of flight. At cruise FL410 all was normal for about 10mins; then out of nowhere the airplane started to oscillate and pitch up to approximately 3 to 5 degrees nose up. An amber E was noticed on both PIC and SIC Primary Flight Displays. At that time the PIC disconnected the autopilot. Both the cabin and cockpit smelled of burning electrical wires; no visible smoke or fire was seen. It lasted only a short time and dissipated not long after the autopilot was disconnected. The PIC was hand flying. We [requested priority handling] and started towards a westerly heading not long after the flight controls shook and vibrated pretty violently for about 5 seconds. We were then cleared to FL220 and the PIC also slowed the aircraft down to around 250 kts. We were cleared to ZZZ where we landed on runway XX.It's unclear at this time as to what actually caused this event.
G200 flight crew reported deviating to an alternate airport after experiencing pitch oscillation anomalies and an amber elevator indication in cruise flight at FL410.