Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 14000; Flight Crew Type 5000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Declared Emergency
Procedure; Aircraft
After 4 hour sit; tail swapped into [another aircraft] due to cargo door issue on original aircraft. At first we were told by Maintenance that this aircraft was unavailable as it was scheduled for maintenance for recurring 'flight control; slat; trim issues'. Cargo and crew then switched to this aircraft and advised it was green. En route portion of flight was uneventful. Upon final approach and fully configured with First Officer flying a visual autopilot off VMC approach. At approximately 2;000 FT AGL aircraft suddenly pitched up to approximately 10 degrees; after slight delay throttles advanced to maintain bugged speed at 120 KTS. I then asked First Officer what he was doing. He then stated it wasn't him and at that time I instructed him to turn off all flight control automation. First Officer confirmed all automation was off; which I verified. I then commanded he discontinue the landing. At that time aircraft was climbing to approximately 2;500 FT. I then joined the First Officer on the yoke and applied full locked arm pressure. First Officer then retarded throttles and we were able to level the aircraft at 3;000 FT. First Officer continued to fly the aircraft at 210 KTS; 3;000 FT. I then declared an emergency and we cleaned up the aircraft. We then maintained 3;000 FT and ensured basic control of the aircraft. Trim then seemed to be operating normal. We then reconnected the auto throttle and then the autopilot and flew a hand flown ILS. Once configured at 2;000 FT for landing stab trim was not used by the First Officer. Aircraft landed without further incident. In review it felt as if this situation was a run away nose up stab trim.
I was flying a visual autopilot off VMC approach. At approximately 2;000 FT AGL aircraft suddenly pitched up to approximately 10 degrees; after slight delay throttles advanced to maintain bugged speed at 120 KTS. The Captain asked what I was doing I told him it wasn't me at that time he instructed me to turn off all flight control automation. I then disconnected the autothrottles/autopilot. The Captain then told me to discontinue the landing. At that time aircraft was climbing to approximately 2;500 FT. The Captain then helped me push the yoke forward to stop the climb. I then retarded throttles and we were able to level the aircraft at 3;000 FT. I continued to fly the aircraft at 210 KTS; 3;000 FT. Trim then seemed to be operating normal. We then reconnected the auto throttle and then the autopilot. I then flew a hand flown ILS. Once configured at 2;000 FT for landing I did not use the trim for the remainder of the flight. I then landed without further incident.
B757 flight crew reports accepting an aircraft with a history of trim issues; but are assured by Maintenance that the aircraft is good to go. During approach the aircraft abruptly pitches up and the First Officer has difficulty maintaining control. With the Captain's help the aircraft is returned to level flight and in trim. The next approach and landing is uneventful.