Investigation number
199401449
Occurrence date
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Flight control systems
Occurrence class
Incident

More than usual forward trim was required during and after takeoff. The auto pilot 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 auto pilot 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.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
The Boeing Company
Model
737-377
Registration
VH-CZP
Sector
Jet
Departure point
Melbourne Vic
Damage
Nil