Narrative:

We departed on a part 91 re-positioning leg. We were executing a visual approach [at destination]. The pilot flying called for 'flaps 20' and the pilot not flying selected 20 degrees of flaps with the flap selector handle. A few seconds later an audible 'ding' was heard; accompanied by an amber cas message stating 'flaps fail'. As the PIC and the pilot flying; I made the decision to level off at 2;000 ft MSL and aborted the visual approach. Tower was advised of the situation and handed us off to approach control. We advised approach control we would like vectors at 2;000 ft MSL or whatever their minimum vectoring altitude was in the area. They agreed and began to vector us around the area. The pilot flying called for the 'flaps fail' abnormal checklist in the QRH and it was executed by the pilot not flying. Both of us determined the 11;500 ft runway at [destination] was a sufficient runway length given the extra speed required for landing; and the extra distance required for the landing and subsequent rollout. The cabin attendant was advised of the situation; and asked to stay seated with her seat belt fastened. After we executed the QRH checklist and were certain we were ready to land; we advised approach control that we would like to return for the visual approach. It was determined by both of us to declare an emergency due to the abnormal flap extension; high rate of speed required for landing; and the long landing distance required to stop the aircraft. I advised approach control that we were declaring an emergency with three people on board; and 320 gallons of fuel remaining. They passed that information to tower. We landed without incident and taxied to the ramp. After shutdown; the airport arff truck was there and I had to make a report with them. Maintenance control and the chief pilot were advised of the situation and began working the problem.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Challenger 604 Captain reported receiving 'Flaps Fail' CAS message on approach. Crew broke off the approach; ran the procedure; declared an emergency; and landed safely.

Narrative: We departed on a Part 91 re-positioning leg. We were executing a visual approach [at destination]. The pilot flying called for 'Flaps 20' and the pilot not flying selected 20 degrees of flaps with the flap selector handle. A few seconds later an audible 'ding' was heard; accompanied by an amber CAS message stating 'Flaps Fail'. As the PIC and the pilot flying; I made the decision to level off at 2;000 FT MSL and aborted the visual approach. Tower was advised of the situation and handed us off to Approach Control. We advised Approach Control we would like vectors at 2;000 FT MSL or whatever their minimum vectoring altitude was in the area. They agreed and began to vector us around the area. The pilot flying called for the 'Flaps Fail' Abnormal Checklist in the QRH and it was executed by the pilot not flying. Both of us determined the 11;500 FT runway at [destination] was a sufficient runway length given the extra speed required for landing; and the extra distance required for the landing and subsequent rollout. The Cabin Attendant was advised of the situation; and asked to stay seated with her seat belt fastened. After we executed the QRH checklist and were certain we were ready to land; we advised Approach Control that we would like to return for the visual approach. It was determined by both of us to declare an emergency due to the abnormal flap extension; high rate of speed required for landing; and the long landing distance required to stop the aircraft. I advised Approach Control that we were declaring an emergency with three people on board; and 320 gallons of fuel remaining. They passed that information to Tower. We landed without incident and taxied to the ramp. After shutdown; the airport ARFF truck was there and I had to make a report with them. Maintenance Control and the Chief Pilot were advised of the situation and began working the problem.

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.