B737-800
Flight Crew Commercial
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Pilot flying called for flaps 1 at approximately 220 KTS. Pilot monitoring noted that the LE FLAPS TRANSIT light remained illuminated and the trailing edge flaps had stopped between the up and flaps 1 position (flap handle was in the flaps 1 detent). Captain coordinated vectors with approach to sort out the problem. After recognizing that we had a trailing edge flaps disagree abnormal; we declared an emergency with ATC and opted to divert to [a longer runway]. Dispatch was notified via ACARS; and a call was made to operations. Captain coordinated with the flight attendants; and made a PA to our passengers. The QRH Trailing Edge Flaps Disagree abnormal procedure was completed (alternate flap extension) and we took vectors for an uneventful landing. Landed flaps 15 per the QRH; made a logbook entry; and debriefed Maintenance personnel at the gate.
On approach; flaps jammed prior to reaching the 1 position. After verifying condition we asked ATC for vectors to evaluate issue. During initial review of QRH condition it became apparent we would not be able to fully deploy the flaps and would be unable to land at destination. We declared an emergency with ATC and asked for continued vectors to troubleshoot and configure aircraft for landing at ZZZ. Deployed flaps via the alternate system to 15 and landed without issue. First Officer did a superlative job as pilot flying. He coordinated with ATC; prepared for approach; and provided helpful analysis with a rather complex QRH procedure.
B737-800 flight crew experiences a flap anomaly during approach and after complying with QRH procedures elects to divert to an airport with a longer runway. An emergency is declared and flaps are extended to 15 using alternate flap extension switch prior to an uneventful landing.