Air carrier flight crew flying B737-800 aircraft reported electric stabilizer trim malfunction inflight. Diverted and landed without incident.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew flying B737-800 aircraft reported electric stabilizer trim malfunction inflight. Diverted and landed without incident.
Narrative
Operating Aircraft X; ZZZ to ZZZ1. We departed ZZZ on Runway XX. I was the PF (Pilot Flying). While hand flying the aircraft after flap retraction; climbing through approximately 5;000 ft MSL; I noticed the electric stab trim; specifically the nose down function was no longer working. The nose up electric trim was still functioning. I asked my FO (First Officer) if his trim switches were working normally. He operated his electric trim switches and had the same issue. We asked for and received clearance from ATC to level off at 10;000 ft. We informed ATC of our flight control issue and asked for vectors to remain in close proximity to ZZZ2. We ran the QRH checklist for Stabilizer Trim inoperative. Upon completion of the checklist; we decided to divert to ZZZ2 due to the longer runways available for landing at flaps 15; as required by the checklist. We informed ATC of our decision to divert to ZZZ2; and [requested priority handling]. With the autopilot unavailable; I flew the remainder of the flight using manual trim on the trim wheel. We accomplished the non-routine landing considerations checklist; relayed our decision to Dispatch; informed the Flight Attendants and passengers of our need to land at ZZZ2; performed a landing assessment; and the before landing checklist. We flew a normal ILS approach and landed safely at ZZZ2 on Runway XYL. ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) met us on the high speed taxiway after we exited the runway and inspected the aircraft. After their inspection; finding no signs of damage or distress; they followed us to the gate. Cause: Aircraft malfunction.
Second reporter narrative
Aircraft X departed ZZZ on Runway XX. After takeoff and climbing through 5;000 ft MSL (approximately); after the flaps had already been retracted and the PF (Pilot Flying) still hand flying the aircraft. The PF noticed the electric stab trim; specifically the nose down function did not work. The crew then stopped the climb and leveled off at 10;000 ft. The PM (Pilot Monitoring) ran the QRH checklist for Stabilizer Trim inoperative. Upon completion of the checklist; the crew decided to divert to ZZZ2 due to the longer runways available for landing at flaps 15. Using manual trim on the trim wheel; the PF flew the remainder of the flight with the autopilot off. The crew used the QRH Stabilizer Trim Inoperative checklist; accomplished the non-routine landing considerations checklist; relayed the decision to dispatch; informed the passengers; performed a landing assessment; and the landing checklist. Landing safely at ZZZ2 on Runway XYL with no issues. ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) inspected the aircraft and followed the jet to the gate. Cause: Mechanical issue that lead to the loss of electric stab trim.Suggestion: Uncertain of anything specifically to avoid this event occurring again.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.