2023-04 · NASA ASRS report 1995284
A321 flight crew reported receiving an ECAM F/CTL SLATS FAULT on approach. The flight crew requested a go-around and ran the QRH and checklists and landed safely.
On about a 20 mile final for XXR; at or around ZZZZZ; we began to configure the aircraft; as the Captain (CA) called for flaps one. I checked the speed tape; said speed verified; and moved the flap lever to position 1. Within a few seconds; we received the ECAM: F/CTL SLATS FAULT. The CA assumed control of the aircraft while I determined it wasn't a quick action item or ECAM exception. The CA the said his aircraft; his radios; and called for the ECAM actions. The Tower gave us missed approach radar vectors over the lake while we worked through the QRH procedures. While going through these procedures; we determined the slats were stuck in the up position; but the flaps seemed to be working normally. Due to our configuration issue and our fuel level starting to get low; the CA [asked for priority handling] back to ZZZ. I did another landing assessment with the slat failure; and we agreed that we had more than adequate runway for landing. The CA temporarily gave me the aircraft and radios while he reviewed the non-routine landing considerations; spoke to the flight attendants; and advised the passengers of the situation. As anticipated; as we configured the plane for landing following the QRH procedures; the plane entered alternate law and then direct law. We landed on Runway XXL with the slats up; flaps at 3; and the landing gear down and locked. The landing was uneventful; and we taxied to the gate as normal; except that we elected to leave the flap lever where it was in case that might help Maintenance in their duties.
We started to configure the aircraft at ZZZZZ; ILS XXR. At the appropriate speed I called for Flaps 1; First Officer (FO) stated speed verified; and moved the flap lever to 1. We received in the lower display; ECAM F/CTL Slats Fault. Initiated non-normal procedures (My aircraft; FO determined it wasn't a Quick Action or ECAM exception--I stated my aircraft/my radios ECAM action). We talked to Tower and were given directions for the missed approach. ATC proceeded to vector us over the area while we worked through the QRH procedures. After following the QRH procedures; we determined the slats were stuck in the up position. We [requested priority handing] back to ZZZ due our configuration issue and fuel situation (it was getting low). I did give the aircraft/radios to the FO while I went through the non-routine landing considerations in which I spoke to flight attendants of the situation; (flap/slat configuration issue; Airport rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles may be present; etc.) and spoke to the passengers why the go-around and lengthy time to land due to a configuration issue. While configuring the plane and following the QRH the aircraft flight safety parameters degraded by entering alternate law and eventually direct law; which was anticipated per the checklist. We ended up landing on Runway XXL with slats up; flaps 3; gear down. The landing and taxi back was uneventful.Side note: The First Officer did an outstanding job throughout this ordeal. The QRH checklist for this problem is complicated; but he did a great job working through this checklist to termination (determining flap configuration; using the non-normal landing distance app; etc.).
More incidents for this aircraft family
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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