B737-800 flight crew reported failure of electric stabilizer trim. An emergency was declared and an ILS approach flown; with the F/O controlling the trim manually based on the Captain's commands.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported failure of electric stabilizer trim. An emergency was declared and an ILS approach flown; with the F/O controlling the trim manually based on the Captain's commands.
Narrative
During the descent the Captain noticed the 'STAB OUT OF TRIM' light had illuminated; and we completed the QRH procedure while I continued to fly. Afterwards; we briefly discussed the procedure for 'Stabilizer Trim Inoperative' just in case we had a complete stabilizer trim failure. The electric trim was working with the autopilot off; however; intermittently. Shortly later; I discovered the electric trim had failed completely. At this time; the Captain took control to try his electric trim with no success and then we decided to declare an emergency. From this point on; I was the pilot monitoring. We completed the 'Stabilizer Trim Inoperative' procedure in the QRH and proceeded to the final approach fix for the [ILS approach]. The Captain flew the aircraft and I controlled the trim manually based on his commands. The Captain briefed the flight attendants and the passengers. The rest of the flight was completed without incident. We landed and then proceeded to check the aircraft for any other problems. None were found; so the Captain terminated the emergency and we taxied to the gate.
Second reporter narrative
The electric trim failed completely. I immediately took control of the aircraft to check electric trim operation from my yoke and found that it was the same -- inoperative. I then declared an emergency and; exercising Captain's emergency authority; immediately proceeded direct to the final approach fix and began a gradual descent to 6;000 feet. We then accomplished the 'Stabilizer Trim Inoperative' QRH procedure. Manual trim worked. Our plan was to fly the ILS Rwy 28 approach at ORD using Flaps 15 per QRH procedure; exit the runway; stop the aircraft and do a quick check of systems and allow emergency personnel to check over our aircraft to be sure all was well. At that point; our plan was to terminate the emergency and taxi to the gate; with emergency vehicles following me as a courtesy. I informed ATC of this plan; so everyone was on the same page; and then requested emergency vehicles and a single frequency approach. I also informed ATC that we would be slowing early; intercepting the ILS glide slope from 6;000 feet; and following the glide slope from then on; which might entail non-compliance with some of the step-down altitudes on the approach. I then directed my F/O to accomplish all normal checklist procedures as early as possible; so that he could devote his full attention to monitoring aircraft control and to manual trim during the approach and landing. I very gradually slowed the aircraft early; and configured early; to allow us plenty of time for manual trim and a stable approach.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.