Many DHC-8 pilots were not made aware of the sound of the beta warning horn during their training.
The operator has introduced a detailed initial and recurrent training program on the beta warning horn. The ATSB considers this safety action appropriate to address the issue.
The operator has introduced a detailed initial and recurrent training program on the beta warning horn to provide exposure to the sound to its pilots.
• The operator delivered a Flight Operations Airworthiness Bulletin to all its flight crew that introduced a policy on hand position relative to the flight idle gate triggers.
• The operator conducted a risk analysis to confirm appropriate controls had been implemented to prevent future events of power levers being placed below flight idle in flight.
• The operator has issued a Flight Training Standing Order to all training organisation staff to be vigilant during training/checking events about hand position in relation to the flight idle gate release triggers.
• Following a review of modification options for in-flight beta protection, the operator decided to introduce the beta lockout system modification to all fleet aircraft. The decision was made before the manufacturer introduced a pending requirement to fit the beta lockout system to all aircraft worldwide.
The ATSB considers that the safety action taken by the operator has adequately addressed the issue.
