B757 flight crew reported executing multiple rejected takeoffs due to the right amber REV light illuminating each time. Maintenance troubleshot the issue; but the aircraft was eventually taken out of service after final discussion with maintenance control.
Synopsis
B757 flight crew reported executing multiple rejected takeoffs due to the right amber REV light illuminating each time. Maintenance troubleshot the issue; but the aircraft was eventually taken out of service after final discussion with maintenance control.
Narrative
During takeoff roll we had to reject the takeoff. After taking the runway the Captain gave me the controls for takeoff. After running up the engines and I asked for auto throttles the engines ran up normally I said check thrust" and before the Captain could say thrust set the right amber REV (reverser) light illuminated. Captain took the controls and rejected the takeoff. We were probably less than 30 knots. After going to idle the light went out. We taxi off the runway fully deployed the reversers and reset them and they seemed to work normally. After checking brake temps we decided to taxi back to the runway and try and try again. [The] exact thing happened so we taxi back to the gate. Maintenance trouble shot the issue and didn't find anything but locked out the right reverser. After a new MEL and talking in depth about it we decided to extend our duty day and try it again. The exact same thing happen. Taxi back to the gate and maintenance found a defer notice to defer the REV light and the Captain and I decided to call it a day and not take it out again. Not long after that company maintenance decided to take a harder look at the situation so we cancel the flight and went back to the hotel."
Second reporter narrative
As thrust was being set for takeoff; the amber REV displayed above the right EPR indicator. Had not even hit 60 kts yet and the takeoff was rejected. There was no yaw. After clearing the runway the amber REV disappeared. We cycled the reversers and they were normal. We attempted another takeoff and the same amber REV displayed. We rejected the takeoff again and returned to the gate for Maintenance. Maintenance deferred the right thrust reverser and locked it out". Another takeoff was attempted and once again the right REV amber light was displayed as we were setting takeoff thrust. Another rejected takeoff and taxi back to gate. Passengers were given the opportunity to deplane. A Maintenance Supervisor came up to the cockpit and said they deferred the wrong item; they should have deferred the amber REV indicator; which would have created a second deferral to lock out the reverser. After several minutes of delay at the gate; Maintenance Control decided the plane is grounded and the problem needs to be fixed not MELed. We were thus released from duty at this time."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.