Narrative:

Our Q400 was dispatched with MEL 27-60-4 roll spoilers (ground mode system) applied. The outboard roll spoilers (ground mode) were deferred per the MEL. We followed the operating procedures in the MEL. However; when going 'below the line' on the before takeoff checklist; placing the flight/taxi switch in the 'flight' position activated the master caution due to a 'roll splr outbd ground' caution light. The inboard roll spoilers deployed when the flight/taxi switch was placed inflight; and the outboard spoilers stayed stowed. Since there is no relief for this caution light in the MEL; we taxied clear of the runway and called maintenance control. Maintenance controller advised us to return to the gate; which we did. The flight was subsequently canceled and we were assigned a different aircraft for our next flight. I think 1 of 2 things happened. Either: 1) the maintenance deferral was done incorrectly. It may be that if the MEL maintenance procedure is done properly; the caution will not occur. 2) the caution light is a normal event within the context of this MEL. If that is the case; then the MEL should so state; under operating procedures. Also; in my opinion; this MEL should also note that tailwinds greater than 10 KTS are not permitted for takeoff or landing with any portion of the ground spoiler system inoperative.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A Q400 flight crew experienced master caution 'ROLL SPLR OUTBD GND' message just before takeoff. They were operating under an MEL affecting the spoilers; but their procedure would not allow a takeoff with this message displayed.

Narrative: Our Q400 was dispatched with MEL 27-60-4 Roll Spoilers (Ground Mode System) applied. The outboard roll spoilers (ground mode) were deferred per the MEL. We followed the operating procedures in the MEL. However; when going 'below the line' on the before takeoff checklist; placing the Flight/Taxi switch in the 'Flight' position activated the master caution due to a 'ROLL SPLR OUTBD GND' caution light. The inboard roll spoilers deployed when the Flight/Taxi switch was placed inflight; and the outboard spoilers stayed stowed. Since there is no relief for this caution light in the MEL; we taxied clear of the runway and called Maintenance Control. Maintenance Controller advised us to return to the gate; which we did. The flight was subsequently canceled and we were assigned a different aircraft for our next flight. I think 1 of 2 things happened. Either: 1) The maintenance deferral was done incorrectly. It may be that if the MEL maintenance procedure is done properly; the caution will not occur. 2) The caution light is a normal event within the context of this MEL. If that is the case; then the MEL should so state; under operating procedures. Also; in my opinion; this MEL should also note that tailwinds greater than 10 KTS are not permitted for takeoff or landing with any portion of the ground spoiler system inoperative.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.