Dash 8-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
The flight began normally. We performed the first flight of the day checks in the run up area near the takeoff end of the runway. We completed all the required first flight of the day items including but not limited to the Autofeather System check. Once cleared onto the runway and lined up for takeoff I transferred controls to the First Officer who was the flying pilot for this leg; as we began the takeoff roll the auto feather failed to arm. I called for the takeoff to be aborted; we exited the runway. I notified ATC; called for the Aborted T/O Checklist; and notified the passengers and the Flight Attendant. I called Dispatch who handed me over to Maintenance; where I was instructed to attempt to reset the Autofeather System. It didn't work; and we were forced to return to the gate; deplane the passengers and contact Contract Maintenance. The flight was later canceled as a result of not being able to get the Autofeather System to arm.
A DHC-8-200 Captain rejected the first takeoff of the day because the Autofeather System did not arm even after it checked satisfactorily during the pre takeoff runup. The flight was canceled.