Summary
More than usual forward trim was required during and after take-off. The autopilot trim actuator ran out of forward trim and then ran continuously to full aft. The crew were unable to adequately manually trim forward. The aircraft returned for a normal descent and landing.
The autopilot Mach trim actuator was found to be inoperative. The actuator had been fitted during overnight maintenance and the observed problem occurred on the first flight after installation. Ground test procedures after installation had not shown up any problems.
Workshop rectification found anomalies with the backlash on the jackscrew and with the actuator length. The manufacturer advised that these anomalies would not have caused the problem that was experienced.
The actuator was refitted four days after the workshop check and has since operated satisfactorily. The cause of the inflight problem was not discovered.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199401449 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 29/05/1994 |
| Location | Melbourne |
| State | Victoria |
| Report release date | 29/08/1994 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Flight control systems |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | The Boeing Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 737-377 |
| Registration | VH-CZP |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Air Transport High Capacity |
| Departure point | Melbourne Vic |
| Damage | Nil |