2025-05 · NASA ASRS report 2241997
Air carrier flight crew reported a critical flap malfunction during final approach. The flight crew completed the appropriate check list and completed a safe landing.
On approach to ZZZ; we received a TE FLAP ASYM EICAS message when extending the flaps from 15 to 20 while descending out of about 2500 feet; IAS of 180 and at or over ZZZZZ intersection for the RNAV XX. It was then confirmed by the flap position indicator indicating one flap position needle just past 15 and the other almost to 20. The landing gear was still retracted. We then advised the Tower Controller of our need to discontinue the approach and go around due to flap issue. We were given a 290 heading and initial climb to 2500 feet. Given our present altitude of about 2200 feet and cleared altitude of 2500 feet; we reset the MCP (Mode Control Panel) altitude window from field elevation to 2500 feet; selected flight level change (FLCH) and selected 290 in the heading window with HDG (Heading) selected. During the climb and turn; the Captain (PF) asked me to set the IAS speed to 190 from 180; at which time I advocated we stay at 180 IAS because my high speed awareness was showing the max speed of 195 for the flaps 20 limitation. Some confusion occurred as his speed tape was reflecting a high speed limit of 210 for the flaps 15 limit. I took notice of the difference and verbalized it. We eventually got the airspeed back to 180 but were briefly flying between 195 - 200 IAS as we contacted Departure Control. Once stable; Autopilot back ON and fully able to ascertain our course of action; we discussed flying & non-flying duties and [requested priority handling]. I remained as the pilot monitoring (PM) and initiated the non-normal checklist. Upon arriving at the deferred descent checklist" items; we attempted to contact ZZZ station operations. Multiple attempts (~3x) on XXX.XX and XXX.XXX each were made before finally making contact with ZZZ Maintenance (XXX.XXY). Our situation we relayed and asked to forward to station operations. The flight attendants were advised & given a briefing and a passenger announcement was made. At which time we reset the FMC for the ILS XXL; briefed; completed the deferred descent checklist items and turned back towards ZZZ for approach and landing. The approach and landing was as expected with the higher the normal approach speed. Upon clearing the runway; no further assistance was required from the Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and we taxied to the gate. During taxi-in; the EICAS message cleared and both flap position indicators moved to the commanded flaps 20 position. Once at the gate and shutdown; we debriefed the event. Flap handle and FLAP GPWS override remained selected for Maintenance."
While slowing and configuring for approach to land in ZZZ; recieved TE Flap Asym EICAS message while moving flaps from15 to 20. Performed normal go around while keeping flaps in current position; received delay vectors while [requesting priority handling] and completing required emergency procedures and notifications. Returned to ZZZ for ILS XXL; with flaps between 15 and 20 for uneventful landing and taxi to gate.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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