B737-800
Situational Awareness; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Loss of System B Hydraulics On arrival descending through 8;000 FT we experienced a complete loss of System B hydraulics (pressure and quantity). A Master Caution Alert notified us of the condition which occurred when Flaps were selected to 1 degree. We notified ATC immediately; declared an emergency and requested ARFF. We then proceeded to complete the QRH procedure checklist 'Loss of System B'.
Upon completion of the checklist; I notified the flight attendants of the situation and gave them their 'TEST' briefing. Following an announcement to the passengers; we completed all checklists and began vectors for landing. Captain landed the aircraft. Our flight landed uneventfully; and following a quick inspection by ARFF crew; we were able to taxi to the gate without further incident. All proper procedures were followed to the best of our knowledge.
A B737-800 'B' Hydraulic System alerted LOW QUANTITY and PRESSURE descending through 8;000 FT on approach so an emergency was declared; the QRH completed and an uneventful landing followed.