Air carrier flight crew reported a momentary loss of aircraft control and stick shaker alert while maneuvering on a visual approach. After the stick shaker activated; the Captain took evasive action retracting the speed brake which stopped the stick shaker and a normal stabilized approach was completed.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a momentary loss of aircraft control and stick shaker alert while maneuvering on a visual approach. After the stick shaker activated; the Captain took evasive action retracting the speed brake which stopped the stick shaker and a normal stabilized approach was completed.
Narrative
The stick shaker activated during a visual approach to XXR ZZZ; with flaps 25 and speed brakes extended. I retracted the speed brake as soon as the shaker activated; which deactivated the shaker.The controller held us at 6000 ft. to allow crossing traffic at 5500 ft. below the localizer. At this point; we were 6000 ft. flaps 5; 170 kts.; (flaps 5 maneuvering speed). The controller advised; 'Traffic no factor'; instructed a descent; I called the field in sight and he cleared us for the visual XXR. Crossing traffic left us high on profile; but we had enough distance; I determined we could continue the visual and be stable at 1000 ft.; which we were.In an effort to rejoin the profile; the First Officer (FO) extended the speed brakes; called for flaps 15; then turned off the Autopilot and auto throttle; removed his hand from the speed brake and placed his hand on the thrust lever. He then called for flaps 20; then 25. As the plane decelerated to target speed; I heard the stick shaker and immediately retracted the speed brake and the stick shaker deactivated. We were stable by 1000 ft. and the remainder of the approach and landing was normal.I did see the FO remove his hand from the speed brake lever when he turned off the auto throttle. I should have said something to him; but speed brake extension did seem appropriate given the circumstance. While in the descent; the plane was slow to decelerate; and I wanted to make sure I did not extend flaps 25 within 10 kts. of the flaps 25 speed limit; and gave a little more attention to avoiding the possibility of a flap over speed instead of retracting the speed brakes before extending flaps 25. Some possible solutions to this problem would include vectors for another approach; or retracting the speed brake when the FO removed his hand.
Second reporter narrative
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.