B737 flight crew reported leading edge flap malfunction on approach. Flight performed a go-around and returned to land.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reported leading edge flap malfunction on approach. Flight performed a go-around and returned to land.
Narrative
While conducting an ILS approach to Runway XXC at ZZZ; the flight crew observed a LE FLAPS TRANSIT caution light illuminated at approximately 2;500 feet MSL; just prior to the final approach fix. At the time; the aircraft configuration was gear up; flaps 5.Upon identifying the abnormal indication; the crew immediately informed the tower and initiated a go-around. The aircraft initially climbed to 4;000 feet on a south-easterly heading without any changes to the aircraft configuration. The climb was then continued to 6;000 feet; and the flight re-entered the downwind leg of the pattern.At this point; the captain assumed control of the aircraft and ATC communications; while the first officer began running the appropriate checklist. [Request for priority handling] was made with ATC. It was confirmed that the aircraft had experienced a leading edge flaps transit failure; as indicated by LE Flap #2 displaying amber on the overhead panel; along with the LE FLAPS TRANSIT light remaining illuminated.The first officer initiated the (NG)Flaps - Leading Edge Flaps Transit" checklist. In coordination with the checklist procedures and performance considerations; the captain elected to change the landing runway to XXR to accommodate the non-normal configuration distance requirements associated with the abnormal flap configuration.Upon completion of the checklist and verification that the available landing distance on Runway XXR was within acceptable limits; the first officer loaded the new approach into the FMC. Control of the aircraft and radio was temporarily transferred to the first officer while the captain briefed the flight attendants; passengers; and reviewed the revised approach with the first officer.With the aircraft established on the Runway XXR localizer; and the approach confirmed stabilized; the captain took back control of the aircraft while the first officer worked the radios. The captain elected to defer dispatch notification until after landing due to the critical phase of flight. The crew subsequently completed the deferred descent and landing checklists.The approach and landing on Runway XXR were uneventful. After exiting the runway via Taxiway 1 and turning onto Taxiway 2; the aircraft held short of [Taxiway] 3. Coordination with Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) was conducted on a secondary radio frequency. Following an external inspection by CFR personnel; the aircraft was cleared as safe to continue taxi.The flight taxied to the gate without further incident. No injuries or additional abnormalities were reported."
Second reporter narrative
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.