B737 Air Carrier crew reported a trailing edge flap malfunction while on final approach. The crew performed a go around and returned for a safe landing with partial flaps.
Synopsis
B737 Air Carrier crew reported a trailing edge flap malfunction while on final approach. The crew performed a go around and returned for a safe landing with partial flaps.
Narrative
Flight XXX was an early morning flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ.Flight was uneventful until initially approaching ZZZ's XXR around. XA:00 am local time.We were told by ZZZ approach to maintain 210 knots initially and we were configured at Flaps 5 with gear up. As we got closer; ZZZ instructed us to slow to 180 knots until the FAF (ZZZZZ). As we slowed down inside of the FAF and began configuring; we noticed that the flaps were not going below Flaps 5. We began to speed up to correct maneuvering speed of approximately 190~200 knots before aborting the approach and imitating a go-around. We requested a box pattern over the coast away from the terrain and Captain flew us out until reaching the initial target of 3;000 ft. The autopilot was engaged on after that point. I began to dive into the QRH and settled on Trailing Edge Flap Disagree because of the disagreement between the flap handle position and the actual flap position without any split in the needle. I asked Captain to verify that we are on the correct checklist and he did. After that conversation; Captain took over the QRH checklist while I handled the plane and the radio. Captain completed the QRH procedure and verified each step with me. We talked about figuring our own landing distance calculations and steps before continuing. We completed all the way up to opening the guarded switch and pulling the alternate flaps switch as the checklists calls for. We briefed each other and came to a conclusion that due to fuel and drag penalties of putting gear and flaps down; as the checklists calls for; we were going to finish the communication part before continuing and heading in towards ZZZ. I believe we were approximately 9K-10K pounds of fuel when we went around initially in ZZZ.We [requested priority handling] and told ATC we will be ready to head back into ZZZ in about 5-10 minutes. Captain briefed the Flight Attendants and completed the brief; then Captain made a professional PA to the passenger of what was going on. While that was happening; I ACARSd the dispatcher a simple message of what was going on and what our plan was. After that we both came back in together and continued the checklist and began to utilize the alternate flap switch to lower the flaps and complete the [priority handling] checklist. The checklists successfully allowed us to lower the flaps to 15 and make an approach.We then headed back into ZZZ's ILS XXR and landed uneventfully.The ARFF truck followed us to the gate while checking our brake temperature.Everything was normal and we parked at the gate with the flaps down and maintenance was subsequently notified.
Second reporter narrative
While configuring to land at ZZZ; flaps stuck at 5 degrees. We noticed flaps were not extending to landing flaps (30 degrees) shortly after passing FAF for runway ILS XXR. As soon as I realized flap lever was set at 30 degrees and flap indicator showed 5 degrees; I called go around; excuted go around procedures. I told FO to tell tower we were going around and tower told us to fly runway heading; climb and maintain 3000 feet. Tower passed us over to approach and I leveled at 3000 feet; then turned on auto throttles and auto pilot. Initially I had FO get into checklist but he was having a hard time finding appropriate checklist. So; I transferred aircraft control to FO and asked he keep radios. So; I got into checklist and started working through Flaps - Trailing Edge Flap Disagree. When we got to step three of the checklist and when Flaps do not move as commanded" I decided to [request priority handling]. We continued through checklist and it led us to extend flaps using alternate method. We attained flaps 15 and landed using flaps 15 speeds. I landed about 1300 feet down runway; on centerline and rolled out to intersection; held short of runway XXL and the fire department showed we did not have hot brakes as we taxied to gate. I debriefed maintenance; dispatcher and Chief Pilot. Chief Pilot did a short wellness assessment and I was a little shaken by the experience so decided to not fly next 2 legs and just to ZZZ2 to finish trip."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.