B777-200 flight crew reported a Flap Drive failure occurred after retracting the flaps during the initial climb. The flight crew then elected to perform an air turnback. This was the second air turnback for this aircraft after a previous departure also prompted the same system failure.
Synopsis
B777-200 flight crew reported a Flap Drive failure occurred after retracting the flaps during the initial climb. The flight crew then elected to perform an air turnback. This was the second air turnback for this aircraft after a previous departure also prompted the same system failure.
Narrative
Second attempt to depart ZZZZ after performing an air turnback previously for a flaps drive malfunction. Maintenance believed the problem was fixed and cycled flaps multiple times on the ground. After departing a second time and climbing out and accelerating on the ZZZZZ climb schedule; I called for flaps up from the flaps one position and we received another flaps drive malfunction indication on the EICAS - previously having just gone through this issue and briefing on the ground as to what we would do if it happened again. We asked for a level-off altitude and vectors back around for another approach. Captain ran the QRH and after completion took controls for the landing. We did not declare an emergency with ATC after being prompted and asked repeatedly if we wanted to do so with Approach. We did have them roll the firetrucks as a precaution for potential hot brakes with the faster approach and touchdown speed with not having landing flaps available. We landed uneventfully and after checking brake temperature we told ATC that we had all normal conditions and taxied back into our assigned parking bay. Cause - Flap Drive malfunction.
Second reporter narrative
On climb-out as the aircraft was accelerating on ZZZZZ climb schedule; called for flaps up from the flap one position and got a flaps drive EICAS message. Captain asked ATC for a level-off altitude and a heading to the east to troubleshoot. Altitude given was the one we were passing on climb-out; so [we] had to level off and go back down to it. Captain explained the situation to ATC and began to run QRH. After running QRH; the Captain took control of the aircraft and had me back them up on having everything done and on landing data. I agreed on their decision to turn back to ZZZ. We asked ATC for an approach to the longest runway and to have the firetrucks standing by for a potential hot brakes situation with the faster approach speed. Landing was uneventful and after checking brake temperatures we told ATC everything was normal and taxied back in. Cause - Flap Drive malfunction.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.