737 uncommanded pitch up at flare. Quick thinking.

[Centaurus]

At the flare the nose pitched up to 40 degrees due elevator defect.

https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20090826X84257&ntsbno=ENG09IA011&akey=1
:eek::eek:

[john_tullamarine]

Now, that's something which would be likely to catch the flightcrew's attention .. rather someone else than me ..

[josephfeatherweight]

Push like hell, or roll?!?
Instinct would be to try the push, if no luck, ROLL!
Uncommanded pitch down = unlucky...

[The Golden Rivet]

At the flare the nose pitched up to 40 degrees due elevator defect.

https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20090826X84257&ntsbno=ENG09IA011&akey=1
:eek::eek:

Thanks for the atsb ref:

having completed many free play checks on the B737-800 ng, I also was involved in the replacement of the bearings, the last time on both sides !!

During rectification it calls up an awareness of the said “fod” issue causing problems with the elevator pcu inputs, requiring a good look around for any fod. If your interested the access for the elevator pcu’s is the small panel just below the t/e of the rudder on the rh side just below the elevator 😎

[Musician]

Information from the FDR indicates that once the flight crew was able to re-establish minimal control over the pitching tendency, they turned off the hydraulic power to the flight controls. This action removed the hydraulic pressure from both elevator PCUs resulting in both elevators deflecting to their neutral (zero hinge moment or float) position. Because the stabilizer was positioned full nose down, the airplane’s pitch attitude rapidly changed from a positive five degrees to approximately negative five degrees. The flight crew immediately restored hydraulic power and the airplane continued to demonstrate significant pitch up tendencies. The flight crew controlled the airplane through the use of full nose down stabilizer, thrust, roll and significant pilot effort by both crewmembers on their respective columns. A second approach and landing was successfully made.
Would that have worked if they had restored the trim?