One of the classic automatic monkey event I witnessed (n the simulator thank goodness), was a experienced Chinese captain who in the 737 rolled over nearly inverted on a coupled ILS after the AT clutch motor on one thrust lever failed while the thrust levers were at idle while slowing for flap and gear extension. As the airspeed came back to Vref+5 with landing flap, the other engine went to high thrust to maintain the selected approach speed while the idle engine stayed at idle.
Instead of disconnecting the AT system and using manual thrust on both engines, the captain thought the idle thrust engine was actually an engine failure! He called engine failure and directed his F/O to shut down the engine with the failed AT clutch motor. There was nothing wrong with the engine. The AP could not cope with the huge amount of crossed controls needed to maintain the coupled ILS on one engine and disengaged itself. At no time did the captain attempt to use rudder to correct the yaw. All the time both pilots had their hands on their knees impassively watching the 737 roll on its back and go in like a bomb. The simulator was then "frozen" to prevent further embarrassment and consequent loss of face.
Last edited by Centaurus; 29th Sep 2013 at 11:01.