Chapter 397: The fatal flaw of fly-by-wire control! The plane is out of control!
"To the west?" The captain was stunned for a moment: "To the west... where?"
It was obvious that the captain's mind was a little unclear and he couldn't respond to such a simple question.
However, the co-pilot thought it through.
When the sky falls, there will be someone taller to hold it up first, first it was Xu Cang, then the captain. It was his turn after two rounds. The co-pilot, on the contrary, did not feel as much pressure and his mind was clearer.
"You're going to China?" asked the co-pilot.
Now they have basically turned around, and if they go west, they will go to the eastern coastal areas of China.
"Of course, China's eastern coastline is long enough, so even a slight deviation is tolerable. Moreover, there are enough large airports in the eastern coastal areas of China, so it is easier for us to find an alternate airport."
Take Japan for example. The north-south length is acceptable, but the east-west length is very narrow. If it is not aligned properly, it will have to face Russia.
Now the water compass is almost useless. Although the north direction can be determined, other directions can also be determined in theory. However, without the help of the heading table and water compass, the deflection angle can only be judged by the slope and feeling, and the error is somewhat large.
It felt like I turned left 90 degrees, but in fact it could have been 70 or even more than 100 degrees. If it hadn't been facing China, I wouldn't have known where I would have been. China's long eastern coastline is a huge advantage.
Moreover, the attitude of China towards unplanned diversions by foreign airlines should be much better. At least we don’t have to worry about shooting down a plane if there is a disagreement.
In addition, even though the plane is only out of power now, who knows what other problems may exist? Just like we didn't know before that the water compass was affected by such a strong magnetic field, and the smoke problem in the power system has not been solved. Maybe this problem will not become serious, but once a fire is caused, the consequences will be disastrous.
Given the current location, flying west to China is actually a shorter distance. Now every second counts. From any perspective, making an emergency landing in China is the best option.
Moreover, Xu Cang is a Chinese and communication with him is quite smooth, which is definitely an advantage.
The captain agreed with this. After all, he was neither Chinese nor Japanese, so it didn't matter where he went.
"Then go west?" the captain asked again, just to confirm.
Xu Cang felt a little sleepy and waved his hand: "Let's go west."
Under such high-intensity work, the brain is always working at a high speed. If you still feel sleepy, it is not because you are really sleepy, but because of lack of oxygen in the brain due to blood loss.
Although Xu Cang was able to hold it in, this feeling had a great negative impact on his concentration and was extremely easy to distract him. Although Xia Shuyue bandaged Xu Cang urgently, the wound was still bleeding slightly. This was inevitable, and Xu Cang's weakness became more and more obvious. If he wanted to go back to Japan directly after another round of tossing and turning, let alone whether he could fly there, the speed of energy consumption would be much higher than flying westward. Xu Cang was afraid that he would not be able to hold on until the approach.
Those other reasons are not the most important. Navigation and smoke are all technical issues. If Xu Cang is in his prime now, these are not a problem at all. If it really doesn't work, find a place with relatively small winds and waves to make an emergency landing on the water. Xu Cang has done this before. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But in the current state, if the subsequent aircraft failure worsens, I guess I can't rely on myself, and I can only rely on Richard. However, Richard is not me after all, and some things cannot be guaranteed.
Therefore, Xu Cang’s biggest demand is to implement it as soon as possible within a reasonable range.
Moreover, Xu Cang would not tell the truth.
Although many people now know that Xu Cang was seriously injured, Xu Cang's halo is real. Having him on the plane is like a reassurance pill, and it is very effective in stabilizing people's hearts.
Once they knew that Xu Cang himself was feeling unwell, it would easily cause panic.
After confirming Xu Cang's instructions, the co-pilot slightly pressed down the side stick to form a slope. After locating the north, it should turn left 90 degrees to reach the west.
However, this deflection angle is difficult to grasp.
However, it is fortunate that this is an Airbus aircraft, and its control logic, at least in turning, is simpler than that of a Boeing.
For example, in the same turning operation, after the Boeing 737 is pressed, the aircraft forms a slope. At this time, the crew must maintain the pressure of the plate and cannot return to the straight position. Once the control wheel is returned to the straight position, the aircraft's wings will also be changed to horizontal.
That is, continuous manipulation input is required.
However, the logic of the Airbus 320 is different. In the same operation, the Airbus crew can return the stick after pressing down the side stick to form a bank, and the aircraft will not return to the original position, but will maintain the bank just entered, that is, only instantaneous control input is required.
If you are proficient in the operation, not to mention the difficulty, just the amount of operation, Airbus is much easier than Boeing.
But if you ask any pilot who wants to get by, it is definitely better to work in Airbus than Boeing.
Because the light is too dim, the backup instruments are not very good looking, and it is not easy for Boeing aircraft to maintain a stable bank, so the total deflection angle is very large due to the cumulative error.
However, for Airbus aircraft, once the slope is formed, the aircraft can automatically maintain a relatively stable slope, so the calculation of the deflection angle is much better than that of Boeing aircraft.
The co-pilot's original intention was to form a bank of about ten degrees and turn to the west at a relatively gentle speed, but he pressed the side stick slightly, and the plane immediately formed a huge left bank at a very fast speed. Although he did not look at the bank gauge, just by physical feeling, he knew that the plane might have suddenly formed a bank of more than 40 degrees.
Xu Cang had just stood up at that time, and he never expected that the co-pilot's control would be so rough. He was already weak, and he almost fell down after the swaying. In a hurry, he instinctively raised his left hand to support the wall to stabilize his body.
But he forgot that he was shot in the left shoulder. When he raised his left hand, the wound was pulled, and the pain made Xu Cang sweat coldly. His face looked like it was covered with gold powder, full of unhealthy colors.
Not to mention Xu Cang who was injured, even the captain stumbled unexpectedly, and he was so angry that he shouted to the cockpit: "Can't you even turn a corner?"
The co-pilot was actually also shocked and wanted to explain, but seeing the anger on the captain's face , he could only mutter: "I didn't drive on such a steep slope."
Xu Cang held his forehead. The captain's voice just now gave Xu Cang a splitting headache. He waved to Xia Shuyue outside, signaling her to come over and help him.
The captain saw Xu Cang's actions, then looked at Xia Shuyue who was walking over, and immediately wisely retreated from the entrance.
Xu Cang came out of the cockpit and put one hand on Xia Shuyue. At this time, Richard came over and asked anxiously: "Xu Cang, what's the situation?"
"Not so good. Some problems cannot be solved with the conditions on the plane, and unexpected situations may occur." Xu Cang leaned on Xia Shuyue, and even blood soaked into Xia Shuyue's clothes: "I plan to go west to the eastern coastal airport of China for an emergency landing."
"It's up to you." Richard didn't care where to make the emergency landing. Seeing that Xu Cang was struggling to speak, he couldn't help but feel weak in his heart: "Xu Cang, can you hold on?"
Almost half of Xu Cang's weight was on Xia Shuyue, and he was already a little unsteady on his feet. However, from his expression, apart from the obvious weakness and paleness, everything else was fine. It was all because of Xu Cang's strong strength.
"You have a qualification of 320, right?" Xu Cang changed the subject directly.
Richard realized that Xu Cang was avoiding his questions, and he was sensible and stopped asking about Xu Cang's physical condition: "I have a qualification of 320, what's wrong?"
"What level?"
It is not new that Richard has the qualifications for the 320. However, everyone has their own expertise and it is not necessarily possible to be extremely proficient in every model.
"This..." This question stumped Richard. This was originally a description with a less rigid standard. He thought for a while: "The level of an ordinary instructor? I don't fly 320 very often, so I'm a little weak. What's wrong with that?"
For someone of Richard's level, the standard of ordinary instructors is weak. However, this is enough for Xu Cang.
"Go to the cockpit and take over the plane. It will be better if you are on it."
As soon as Xu Cang finished speaking, the captain standing behind him shouted, "The plane cannot be handed over to others."
Xu Cang is a famous person all over the world. Now the situation is urgent and his life is more important. He is happy to hand over the plane to Xu Cang.
However, under normal circumstances, just as there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts, except for people like Xu Cang, who have the captains ever obeyed in flying?
Why should you put your life in the hands of others?
The captain was not happy about it anyway.
However, this tough attitude did not last long. He moved slightly and saw the person who was speaking. He was stunned for a moment, and then his expression immediately became interesting: "Mr....Mr. Chairman."
Richard was in a bad mood at the moment, but he didn't care: "I'm sorry, it's not that I don't believe in your skills, but I think you know about the special circumstances, so you should still trust me."
"Of course, of course." The captain nodded hurriedly.
He was extremely regretful now. The current president of the National Civil Aviation Workers Union was Richard Bair's younger brother. With just one word from Richard Bair, not only Southwest Airlines would not accept him, but the entire American civil aviation industry would not accept him.
In the West, the power of trade unions is extremely amazing.
However, on second thought, even if he landed safely, he would most likely go to jail. Although serving a prison sentence does not necessarily mean he will be cut off from civil aviation, it is at least impossible for him to return to civil aviation in the short term.
After a long time, Richard Bayer probably won't even remember who he is, so it makes me feel relieved when I think about it .
"Xu Cang, I'll go in first," Richard Baier said, and then looked at the captain: "After I take my seat, you will replace the co-pilot."
In this case, the crew here is quite strong.
Even without asking, Richard Bayer could see that Xu Cang was almost dying and needed to rest. It was very likely that Xu Cang would have something to worry about in the future.
The captain didn't dare to refuse and agreed repeatedly.
Xu Cang patted Xia Shuyue and said, "Let's go sit in the back."
Xia Shuyue responded softly, and supported Xu Cang and slowly walked towards the rear cabin.
At the entrance of the first-class cabin, the chief steward stood somewhat stiffly. When he saw Xu Cang coming over, he felt extremely uncomfortable, not knowing whether to move or not.
However, Xu Cang did not pay attention to the flight attendant, but instead focused his attention on the white man in the shadows in the corner of the first-class cabin. Due to the angle problem, the aurora could no longer be projected into the cabin, making the already dim cabin even darker. Only the starlight and moonlight could illuminate it, outlining an outline that was almost hidden in the darkness.
He didn't move at all, didn't have a single sign of life, as if he was dead.
However, when he got closer, Xu Cang could faintly hear the faint breathing sound.
"Mr. Richard just tied his hands with a belt, so there will be no problem even if he wakes up." Xia Shuyue whispered in Xu Cang's ear.
"He won't wake up for now." Xu Cang sat in the front row. He felt like his mouth was burning and he was thirsty. "Is there any water?"
"Do you want some water?" Xia Shuyue hurried to find some water. Xu Cang had lost too much blood, and most of his blood was composed of water. It was normal for Xu Cang to feel thirsty.
Without a cup, Xia Shuyue could only find a bottle of mineral water as quickly as possible.
It was only two or three minutes, and when she came back, she found that Xu Cang had tilted his head and closed his eyes.
Xia Shuyue's breathing almost stopped. She stood there in a daze, slowly reached out her hand, and placed her fingers under Xu Cang's nose with trembling hands.
Suddenly, Xu Cang grabbed Xia Shuyue's wrist with his right hand, opened his eyelids a little, and whispered, "I'm not dead."
Xia Shuyue's eyes were red, and tears were falling like pearls: "Promise me."
"How can I guarantee that?" Xu Cang laughed with difficulty: "I'm so tired, let me sleep for a while, just for a while..."
After saying this, Xu Cang closed his eyes again, and only his faint breathing could be heard.
Xia Shuyue stood beside Xu Cang, at a loss for a moment. She did not move, just stood there, standing beside Xu Cang like a sculpture.
More than 20 minutes later, Richard Bayer was in the left seat of the cockpit, and the captain was in the right seat. Richard Bayer was controlling the plane. After all, Richard Bayer was old, and his eyesight was not as good as when he was young. It was very troublesome for him to read the backup instruments.
However, Richard Baier's hand was steady, and after determining what they believed to be the west, he kept heading forward.
Of course, the North Star was always in the right side window view, so the nose of the plane should be facing the west. However, after being in the dark for a long time, neither Richard Bair nor the captain knew where to go.
Suddenly, the plane shook slightly to the right, and Richard moved the side stick slightly to the left .
However, the plane suddenly turned from rolling to the right to rolling to the left at an extremely rapid rate, and in an instant formed a huge left bank of nearly 60 degrees. By definition, this can be regarded as a complex state.
Not to mention the captain sitting in the right seat, even Richard Baier himself was shocked.
"Mr. Chairman, slow down, slow down!" The captain was already a frightened bird, and such an exaggerated change in posture almost stopped him from breathing. Even though he was facing his boss's boss, he couldn't help but remind him.
Richard Bayer frowned. He had clearly just pushed the plane lightly to the left, so why did the plane's state change so drastically?
However, Richard Baier had not yet realized the seriousness of the problem, and he was somewhat suspicious that he had just performed an unconscious operation. In a highly tense situation, pilots may indeed have some unconscious behaviors that they themselves would not notice.
After calming down a little, Richard Baier decisively pulled the side stick to the right, trying to turn the plane from the steep bank back to a level plane with its wings.
However, this time Richard Bayer was certain that he had input a larger control amount, but when it came to the aircraft, it was still maintaining a huge left bank of nearly 60 degrees, only slightly reducing the bank. This was definitely not a change in attitude due to the input amount.
Richard Baier's face changed: "You take control and change the slope to the right."
Richard Bayer released the side stick. The control of the Airbus aircraft has a superposition effect. If he does not release it, the input of the right seat will also be affected. Of course, there is a priority button on the side stick, that is, pressing it can block the control side stick input on the other side, but Richard Bayer does not want to do this. He has a bad idea in his mind.
"Just level it off? Okay, I'll take over the controls!" The control was very simple, the captain did not refuse and took over the controls immediately.
At this time, the aircraft had a large bank and had to be quickly corrected, so the captain's control input was as decisive as Richard Bair's, and he quickly input a right roll control.
Logically, the plane should have leveled off immediately. However, the plane rolled to the left in the opposite direction, and the captain's control input was so strong that the plane almost flipped over.
The captain was so scared that he let go of the sidestick. He was completely confused. The plane did not respond to the sidestick at all!
The thing Xu Cang was most worried about happened. According to the logic of fly-by-wire control, the extended impact of the electrical system damage seemed to have affected the signal transmission of the fly-by-wire control, and the aircraft had completely lost control.
