A B767-300 dumped fuel and returned to their departure airport when they received recurring le flap ...

Narrative:

On flap retraction the needles stopped between 1 and up and the le flap asym EICAS message was displayed. We continued on the departure transition ground track while we accomplished the associated checklist. We then contacted dispatch and maintenance control. During this initial contact the flap needles moved to up indication and EICAS extinguished. Flap air speed limits were not exceeded.we were then cleared by ATC to climb to FL280 at normal climb airspeed. While in the climb the EICAS message re-illuminated with the same position indication on flap indicator. We immediately slowed to 230 KTS and requested descent below FL200. Several attempts to establish contact with dispatch and maintenance control including via satcom were unsatisfactory.we elected to return to our departure airport; requested emergency equipment but did not declare an emergency. At some point during descent the EICAS message extinguished again and flaps 1 was selected. In this configuration the slats remained extended. We dumped fuel and then conducted a normal approach and landing.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B767-300 dumped fuel and returned to their departure airport when they received recurring LE FLAP ASSYM EICAS messages; first upon flap retraction and; after self correcting; again in climb.

Narrative: On flap retraction the needles stopped between 1 and up and the LE FLAP ASYM EICAS message was displayed. We continued on the departure transition ground track while we accomplished the associated checklist. We then contacted Dispatch and Maintenance Control. During this initial contact the flap needles moved to UP indication and EICAS extinguished. Flap air speed limits were not exceeded.We were then cleared by ATC to climb to FL280 at normal climb airspeed. While in the climb the EICAS message re-illuminated with the same position indication on flap indicator. We immediately slowed to 230 KTS and requested descent below FL200. Several attempts to establish contact with Dispatch and Maintenance Control including via SATCOM were unsatisfactory.We elected to return to our departure airport; requested emergency equipment but did not declare an emergency. At some point during descent the EICAS message extinguished again and flaps 1 was selected. In this configuration the slats remained extended. We dumped fuel and then conducted a normal approach and landing.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	928957
Time
Date	201101
Local Time Of Day	0001-0600
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZZ.TRACON
State Reference	FO
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B767-300 and 300 ER
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Initial Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Flap Control (Trailing & Leading Edge)
Person 1
Function	Pilot Not Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 220
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

A B767-300 dumped fuel and returned to their departure airport when they received recurring le flap assym EICAS messages; first upon flap retraction and; after self correcting; again in climb.