EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 6000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
We were given a descent to FL320. While on our descent we received an amber EICAS message 'PITCH TRIM FAIL.' I instructed the Pilot Monitoring (PM) to identify and cancel the message and run the associated QRH procedure. While running the procedure the autopilot kicked off and I began to hand fly the aircraft. The PM ran the QRH procedure which instructed him to reset the Pitch Trim System (Pitch Trim System 1 and 2 Cutout Buttons - PUSH IN; then OUT). In performing this; we received an amber EICAS message 'AP FAIL.' In addition; the PITCH TRIM FAIL message illuminated again. The QRH procedure which further instructed to 'LAND AT NEAREST SUITABLE AIRPORT'. The PM and I evaluated the situation and determined that the best course of action would be to continue as we were already setup for landing and on descent to the airport. Since I was hand flying with no trim; I delegated the responsibility to the PM. We requested we get direct to ZZZ for the ILS and to have equipment standing by upon our arrival. ATC complied and gave us a descent to 5000 ft at pilot's discretion. On final approach as airspeed was decreased the controls were becoming heavier to a pitch down attitude. I had the PM roll the speed down close to Vapp but then elected to go back to 150 KIAS; for increased aircraft control (Vref was calculated at 133KIAS). Upon touchdown; we determined that nose wheel steering capabilities were unaffected; and turned off the runway onto the taxiway.
ERJ-170 Captain reported Pitch Trim Fail and subsequent Autopilot Fail warnings that resulted in a landing at the nearest suitable airport without further incident.