A B737-800 crew refused an aircraft during preflight because the stabilizer trim was MEL'ed after the fourth maintenance logbook entry causing both autopilots to be deferred for the lengthy flight.
Synopsis
A B737-800 crew refused an aircraft during preflight because the stabilizer trim was MEL'ed after the fourth maintenance logbook entry causing both autopilots to be deferred for the lengthy flight.
Narrative
I arrived at the airport and after clearing customs and immigration; I attempted to pull up a flight plan and received a message that the flight had been locked out and I was requested to call Dispatch. I called Dispatcher who informed me that aircraft was around 7000 LBS overweight for takeoff due to a very large fuel load of 40;000 LBS. In addition; he informed me that both autopilots were placarded inoperative. I'm not sure what the game plan was at that time because the fuel problem alone had to be resolved. I informed the Dispatcher that I could not accept the aircraft due to both autopilots being inoperative and the length of the flight. I proceed to the aircraft to look at the logbook and discovered the write up that caused the autopilot's to be placarded was due to the STAB TRIM light illuminated in flight. This was the fourth time the stab trim had been written up. This further supported my decision not to accept the aircraft. And yes it actually had 40;000 LBS of fuel loaded. Aircraft arrived at this station the evening before and was an overnight. We swapped aircraft and departed late. Aircraft was repaired later that day we discovered later. Why didn't someone address this situation sooner instead of attempting to dispatch this aircraft in this condition with this history? After the third stab trim write up the aircraft should have been repaired. In my opinion it was unconscionable to continue to operate aircraft with this mechanical deficiency and attempt to operate it for that length of flight time.
Second reporter narrative
I arrived at the airport and to the aircraft shortly thereafter. Upon reviewing the logbook first prior to other preflight duties I learned both autopilots were placarded inoperative due to a stab trim light illuminated in flight the previous day inbound to this station. The aircraft was here for several hours prior to our arrival to the aircraft and a MEL placard was issued instead of fixing the aircraft. What is of major concern to me is that it was the fourth write up on this issue; more so than hand flying on a three hour flight. The Captain refused the aircraft with full support from myself. This is a prime example of 'just because it is legal; it doesn't make it safe.' We swapped aircraft and departed late. Aircraft was repaired later that day and it departed 6 hours and 25 minutes late on the reassigned departure of flight.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.