MD-83
Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
ATIS: 10M visibility BKN250 10/04 30.13 Dry RWY 28; FLP 06; STD THRUST MTS 38 AT 44C RWY LIMIT 168.7 CLIMB LIMIT 170.2 TOW 145;982 V1 151 KIAS During takeoff roll at 135 KIAS the MASTER WARNING Light illuminated; I checked the overhead annunciator panel; saw TAIL COMPT TEMP HIGH light ON. [I] rejected takeoff at 140 to 145 KIAS. Reported abort to Tower. [We] stopped on runway; requested Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighters (ARFF) and discrete frequency for ARFF Command. Made remain seated PA. Pneumatic cross feeds were Closed; airfoil anti-ice was OFF and air conditioning switches were turned OFF. Shut down right engine and ran Evacuation Checklist; but stopped short of ordering evacuation. About 30 seconds after right engine was shut down; the TAIL COMPT TEMP HIGH light extinguished. While waiting for ARFF I explained to flight attendants the indications and asked them to view the tail cone area through the aft entry door window. They said it was clear with no smoke. I asked Tower if any smoke was visible. They reported smoke from landing gear but not tail. When ARFF Command arrived moments later with only left engine running; I explained the situation and they reported 350 degrees in tail compartment (using their infrared temperature detection equipment); and smoke on right gear brakes. I advised ARFF I was releasing the brakes to facilitate their cooling. No evacuation was recommended by ARFF.Left engine was then shut down to remove all potential sources of heat. I spoke to the passengers and explained the problem and our plan to have a tug tow us back to the gate. First Officer called Operations and requested a tug. According to ARFF; temperature of TAIL COMPT and gear was nothing abnormal now and smoke at gear had dissipated. Tug came out and towed us to the gate. ARFF followed us to the gate monitoring the TAIL COMPT temp with their FLIR equipment. At the gate I advised ramp crew that brakes would be released to facilitate brake cooling and to please chock the wheels. Passengers were disembarked. Ramp crew opened the aft stairs and ARFF checked the TAIL COMPT one last time.
[Report narrative contained no additional information].
During takeoff at about 140 KTS; a MD-83 TAIL COMPT TEMP HIGH alerted; so the Captain rejected the takeoff; stopped on the runway; completed the QRH; and ARFF reported the tail at 350 degrees and smoking brakes. The aircraft was towed to the gate.