A320neo also potentially vulnerable to pitch-up scenario

Airbus has determined that the A320neo is potentially vulnerable to an angle-of-attack protection weakness which could result in excessive pitch attitude under certain circumstances. The condition is "different" from the excessive-pitch anomaly recently discovered during analysis of the larger A321neo, says EASA, although it appears outwardly similar. EASA stresses that the condition has never been encountered during A320neo operations. But it says that a "reduced efficiency" of the aircraft's angle-of-attack protection under certain flight configurations, and in combination with specific commanded manoeuvres from the crew, could lead to excessive pitch and higher workload. The scenario has been uncovered during analysis and laboratory testing of the A320neo flight-control laws. <br/>