Incident Description
While climbing, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded deployment of the number 8 leading edge slat. The deployment did not affect control of the aircraft, and the flight proceeded to its intended destination without further issues. The specific phase of climb was not detailed.
Crew Actions
The flight crew attempted to recycle the slats in an effort to resolve the condition, but the attempts were unsuccessful. The slats remained in the deployed position for the remainder of the flight.
Investigation Findings
A subsequent examination of the number 8 slat actuator did not reveal any mechanical malfunction or failure. However, Boeing reported that the actuator retract lock switch exhibited evidence of an intermittent malfunction. According to Boeing, this intermittent malfunction could have falsely indicated that the actuator was retracted when it was not. The source did not specify a probable cause for the uncommanded deployment.