Narrative:

On approach when flaps extended to position 2 we got an ECAM F/control flap fault. The ECAM called for cycling the flap handle in an attempt to reset the system so we asked for and received increased assigned speed from ATC. It became apparent that we would need to break off the approach and work the problem. We did this. I assigned the first officer to fly and work the radios while I worked the problem. I followed the ECAM and retracted the flaps. On re-extension the problem recurred. I used the irregular section of the flight manual which directed a flap 3 handle position for landing and review of maneuvers section abnormal slat/flap approach. Additionally we were to apply landing distance calculation procedure. I determined that we had more than adequate available landing distance with 16R; weather was not a factor and we had about one hour of fuel remaining. I spoke to the purser and told her what the problem was and that we would need another 15 minutes or so to complete checklists. I also said we did not need to prepare for an evacuation. I made a PA announcement to inform the passengers of our problem and that they could expect a normal landing after our checklists were complete. We reviewed our problem with dispatch and maintenance control and determined there was no fix we could attempt. During this time the first officer suggested declaring an emergency. I agreed; and we did so. The first officer and I briefed each other on what each had been doing and we then got clearance back to the airport. I took back the airplane on final approach and an uneventful landing followed.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Following receipt of a F/CTL flap fault ECAM; an A320 flight crew executed a go around; performed appropriate checklists and notifications; declared an emergency and landed without incident.

Narrative: On approach when flaps extended to position 2 we got an ECAM F/CTL Flap fault. The ECAM called for cycling the flap handle in an attempt to reset the system so we asked for and received increased assigned speed from ATC. It became apparent that we would need to break off the approach and work the problem. We did this. I assigned the First Officer to fly and work the radios while I worked the problem. I followed the ECAM and retracted the flaps. On re-extension the problem recurred. I used the irregular section of the Flight Manual which directed a Flap 3 handle position for landing and review of Maneuvers section Abnormal Slat/Flap Approach. Additionally we were to apply landing distance calculation procedure. I determined that we had more than adequate available landing distance with 16R; weather was not a factor and we had about one hour of fuel remaining. I spoke to the purser and told her what the problem was and that we would need another 15 minutes or so to complete checklists. I also said we did not need to prepare for an evacuation. I made a PA announcement to inform the passengers of our problem and that they could expect a normal landing after our checklists were complete. We reviewed our problem with Dispatch and Maintenance Control and determined there was no fix we could attempt. During this time the First Officer suggested declaring an emergency. I agreed; and we did so. The First Officer and I briefed each other on what each had been doing and we then got clearance back to the airport. I took back the airplane on final approach and an uneventful landing followed.

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.