B757 Flight Crew experiences left hydraulic quantity low during climbout and turns of left pumps per checklist procedures. Crew declares an emergency and returns to departure airport where remaining fluid is sufficient to allow normal gear and flap extension and landing.
Synopsis
B757 Flight Crew experiences left hydraulic quantity low during climbout and turns of left pumps per checklist procedures. Crew declares an emergency and returns to departure airport where remaining fluid is sufficient to allow normal gear and flap extension and landing.
Narrative
Climbing thru FL310; EICAS Msg 'LEFT HYD QTY' and 'RSV' light illuminated on overhead panel. Status page showed left hand hydraulic fluid decreasing rapidly. As the Pilot Flying; I took control of the ATC communications while the F/O went to the FM. Per FM procedure; turned off both engine driven and electric pumps for left hand system. Fluid loss slowed almost immediately. We notified ATC of situation and that we were returning; declaring an emergency and requesting CFR equipment upon arrival. Notified Dispatcher and the Purser of the nature of the problem; and that we intended to return. Also made cabin announcement to passengers concerning reason for return and alerting them to CFR equipment upon arrival. As the F/O ran the checklist for the system failure and reviewed landing distance criteria per FOM/FM; I coordinated info with the Purser concerning arrival time and possible further actions if we had additional hydraulic system problems during flap and gear extension. We briefed approach and completed all checklists and then began to setup for approach to the longest runway into the wind. On downwind; we began to lower approach flaps; landing gear and final flaps by turning on the left pumps. All extended normally with the remaining fluid in the system. We then shut off all LH pumps. Coordinated with Approach and Tower for a long straight in final and a desire to roll to the end; explaining we might lose nosewheel steering. Upon rollout; I had normal steering as I slowed to approx 10 kts; so I turned off and headed for the runup pad as briefed. Equipment surrounded aircraft and we shut down the LH engine following cool down; followed by RH engine as soon as we stopped in the pad. CFR personnel said they did not see any leaks; smoke or other hazards and I notified Purser that I wanted Flt Attendants to remain at their jumpseats in case we had any reason to evacuate the aircraft. Mechanics and tug arrived within 5-6 minutes and also stated they couldn't see anything hazardous aside from some hydraulic fluid in the LH wheel well area dripping on the ground. We were tugged to the gate and called the Duty Manager for debriefing. I felt like this was as smooth an emergency situation as could be expected; albeit very time compressed.
Second reporter narrative
During climbout; L HYD QTY EICAS came on. Selected Status page and saw L HYD QTY .50 and rapidly decreasing. Turned off left hydraulic pumps per FM checklist to preserve hydraulic fluid for approach and landing; and then informed ATC of the situation; declared emergency; and received clearance back to departure airport. Destination weather was 1/2 mile snow and gusty winds; departure airport clear. Quantity continued to very slowly decrease during descent. Abeam OM elected to turn left hydraulics back on and configure aircraft for landing. Started APU. Extended flaps and landing gear and performed normal landing. Informed tower that we would attempt to clear runway if nosewheel steering operated normally. Cleared runway and taxied into the pad with emergency equipment standing by. Stopped airplane and set parking brake; shut down engines for Fire/Rescue to inspect airplane for damage/leaks. Informed by Fire/Rescue that there was no apparent damage and no fluid visibly leaking from aircraft; but brakes looked hot. Had them chock nose and released parking brake to help cool brakes. Status message POWER XFER UNIT came on once on the ground. Aircraft towed to the gate.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.