B737-900 flight crew reported the stick shaker was improperly mounted out of position and was coming in contact with the rudder assembly; limiting travel of the yoke. The flight crew returned the aircraft to the gate and switched to a different aircraft.
Synopsis
B737-900 flight crew reported the stick shaker was improperly mounted out of position and was coming in contact with the rudder assembly; limiting travel of the yoke. The flight crew returned the aircraft to the gate and switched to a different aircraft.
Narrative
This report involves Aircraft X; which was the original aircraft assigned to this flight and resulted in a gate return. That ZZZ - ZZZ segment was not listed for use and couldn't find it in the flight search function.After pushback and engine start; during the flight control check; when the control column was placed in the full forward position; an audible thunk" was heard and the forward stop/movement of the control column did not feel correct. Upon further investigation; it was discovered that the FO (First Officer) stick shaker mechanism was coming in contact with the gray cover that covers rudder pedal linkage. The Captain's side was close to the gray cover but did not touch. After discussing the issue with Local Maintenance and Maintenance Control; the aircraft was gate returned for further investigation. Upon gate return; Maintenance boarded the aircraft and the aircraft was taken out of service. After switching aircraft; the flight crew noticed that the stick shaker mechanisms on both control columns were mounted higher up and were both well clear of the gray cover. This led us to believe that both stick shakers on Aircraft X were mounted incorrectly. Maintenance Control was called to inform them. It is my estimate; that the improper mounting of the stick shaker mechanism resulted in a loss of approximately 2 inches in forward control column movement."
Second reporter narrative
At the flight control check after engine start; Captain noticed the FO (First Officer) side stick shaker knocking against the rudder assembly and limiting forward travel of the yoke. Contacted everyone and pulled back into the same gate. Maintenance Control took Aircraft X out of service. Switched planes to Aircraft Y and resumed delayed normal operations.After settling into Aircraft Y we noticed that the stick shaker position on the yoke was much lower on Aircraft X in comparison to Aircraft Y. Maintenance Control was advised of our suspicion of the potential of the stick shaker being out of position.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.