B757-200 flight crew reported the progressive loss of the Right Hydraulic System Quantity in cruise. The flight crew performed an air turn back and precautionary landing at departure airport.
Synopsis
B757-200 flight crew reported the progressive loss of the Right Hydraulic System Quantity in cruise. The flight crew performed an air turn back and precautionary landing at departure airport.
Narrative
Departure out of ZZZZ1 was normal with normal take-off and climb out. Shortly after reaching cruise at FL380 we received EICAS massage R HYD QTY; about 80 NM NW of ZZZZ1 in ZZZZ2 airspace. We pulled up the status page and noted the R HYD was 0.48 and falling. We discussed the problem and an eventual scenario should the R HYD quantity completely deplete. Captain was Pilot Flying (PF) and handed control of the aircraft to me as he consulted the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and contacted Operations Control.Between the Captain; Operations Control; and myself; we decided the best course of action was to return back to ZZZZ1. The diversion was negotiated with ZZZZ and a [request for priority handling] was made. Weather; performance; landing distance were check in the event we lost the R HYD. Captain setup the aircraft and programed the FMS for the return back to ZZZZ1 before taking back control. A straight in on ILS XX was offered to expedite our landing time and we accepted. R HYD quantity kept decreasing until leveling off at around 0.16. Approach; landing; and roll out was normal; circumstances provided. Flaps and gear extended on schedule with normal aircraft performance. ATC in both ZZZZ2 and ZZZZ1 were very professional and helpful. Great effort by all involved leading to a good outcome. Airport personnel boarded after landing and all were helpful and professional.
Second reporter narrative
Shortly after reaching our cruise altitude of FL380 we received an R HYD QTY EICAS message. At this time we were approximately 80 NM northwest of ZZZZ1. I was the Pilot Flying (PF) and swapped controls with the First Officer (FO) so I could consult the QRH and determine the issue. The R HYD QTY was approximately 0.48 and falling. The FO and I spoke about the falling level and that it might get considerably worse depending on where the leak occurred. I then contacted Operations Control and we decided that the best course of action was to return to ZZZZ1. We coordinated the return with ZZZZ and [requested priority handling.] I then retook the airplane from the FO. The HYD QTY stabilized around 0.16 once we turned around and headed back to ZZZZ1. This indicated to me that the leak was somewhere outside the tank and we still had reserve fluid. We discussed the possibility of losing the remaining fluid and seeing the R HYD SYS PRESS message. That led us to consulting QRH for that scenario to gather more information as to what items we would lose and what would still be available for us. We ultimately never had to run that QRH checklist.ZZZZ was excellent in vectoring us back to the field and gave us a straight in ILS approach to Runway XX. I configured for landing a little earlier than usual to give us some extra time to see how the rest of the hydraulics would react. Ultimately; everything continued as normal as it could be in this situation. Landed on XX and rolled to the end. Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) was waiting and met us at the parking stand. I felt that everyone did an amazing job. Excellent teamwork with the FO; Operations Control coordinated very well; and the local ATC and airfield operations personnel were extremely helpful. Overall a successful outcome.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.