Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; General Maintenance Action
Procedure; Aircraft
While on the takeoff roll; the Autofeather System failed to remain armed and as a result I had to call 'Reject; Reject' and we then rejected the takeoff. The Captain then taxied clear of the runway; I made calls to ATC; the passengers; the Flight Attendant; Operations and finally Dispatch. We then proceeded back to the gate and swapped aircraft. While on the takeoff roll everything checked out fine. Then I noticed the auto-feather 'ARMED' light extinguish and called for a reject.I can think of two possible reasons why: First of all; this aircraft has a history of issues with the autofeather system. Second; Maintenance had worked on the Autofeather System the day prior which indicates there may have been improper maintenance.
During the takeoff roll; the First Officer called 'reject' due to the Autofeathering System failing to remain armed before V1. I slowed the aircraft down and took a high speed taxi exit while the First Officer notified ATC. Everyone; including the Flight Attendant; passengers; Operations; Dispatch; and Maintenance were notified and we returned to the gate without any further disruption to the flight and safety. I am uncertain why the system failed to remain armed because I did conduct an Autofeather Test and an Advisory Lights Test before the flight; so I suspect improper maintenance correction or simply equipment malfunction because the Autofeathing System had a recent history of problems. Moreover; MEL 61-2 relief was recently applied to the aircraft.
DHC-100 flight crew reports a rejected takeoff when the Autofeather armed light extinguishes during the takeoff roll.