MD-88
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Diverted
Aircraft
During cruise flight the Captain's Primary Flight Display (PFD) and attitude indicator tumbled. The autopilot and autothrottles disconnected. The Navigation Display (ND) indicated a map fail message. The heading on the RMI changed approximately 90 degrees in wings level flight. All navigational instruments were lost. The First Officers PFD attitude was still correct; therefore controls were handed over to myself; the First Officer. The Captain began running through the QRH procedures. The QRH directed us to attitude and heading fail; which we accomplished. However; this did not result in restoring a heading. We were navigating by the whiskey compass. We then proceeded to another QRH section IRS fault. This allowed us to input our compass heading. Afterward; the autopilot was useful for holding basic level flight. At this time; our only navigation information was VOR directions from the RMI. We called maintenance; our discussion with them was fruitless. Therefore; we coordinated a diversion with dispatch. [Requested priority handling] with ATC. [Coordinated] with the flight attendants; notified the passengers; and completed appropriate checklists for the diversion. We landed safely.In this case; it appears there was a mechanical discrepancy. Such failures happen from time to time and are not completely preventable.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
MD-88 Captain's primary flight display/attitude indicator; navigation display & RMI failed in cruise flight. Controls passed to First Officer. Crew complied with Quick Reference Handbook procedures followed by a safe landing at a diversion airport.