Date: 201508
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: PFD
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; Captain
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: During cruise flight the Captains Primary Flight Display (PFD)/ Attitude Indicator (AI) tumbled. The autopilot and auto throttles disconnected. The Navigation Display (ND) indicated a map fail message. The heading on the RMI changed approximately 90 degrees in wings level flight. All navigational instruments were lost. The First Officer's PFD attitude was still correct; therefore controls were handed over to myself; the First Officer. The Captain began running through the QRH procedures. The QRH directed us to the Attitude and Heading fail page; which we accomplished. However; this did not result in restoring a heading. We were navigating by the whiskey compass. We then proceeded to another QRH page which allowed us to input our compass heading. Afterward; the autopilot was useful for holding basic level flight. At this time; our only navigation information was VOR directions from the RMI. We called maintenance. Our discussion with them was fruitless. Therefore; we coordinated a diversion with Dispatch. Completed procedures with the flight attendants; notified the passengers; and completed appropriate checklists for the diversion. We landed safely. In this case; it appears there was a mechanical failure. Such failures happen from time to time and are not completely preventable.


Second narrative: During cruise flight Captain's side Attitude Indicator (AI)/ Primary Flight Display (PFD) showed a rapid climb then 'tumbled' indicating a 90 degree bank indication. The autopilot and auto throttles disconnected. Simultaneously the 'Navigation Display (ND)' indicated a 'map fail' message. While wings level the heading on the RMI indicated a 90 turn. All navigation was lost on both sides; heading included. The First Officers PFD indicated the proper attitude. We consulted the QRH; and transferred controls to the First Officer. With the loss of both heading and attitude indicator on the Captain's side we directed our attention to that portion of the QRH and put the EFIS display on 2. In an attempt to get any reference to heading we had to utilize the wet compose and consulted the QRH checklist. This allowed us to input our compass heading; turn the auto pilot back on and sustain strait and level flight. At this time all navigation was lost except for the VOR indications off the RMI. Looking for further guidance we made a call to maintenance which was fruitless. We coordinated with maintenance and dispatch that our best option was to divert to the closest usable airport. The flight attendants were informed of our situation. We then informed the passengers that our flight was not continuing to destination and we were diverting due to a navigational issue. We ran all appropriate checklists for the diversion. We safely landed and were provided a gate by the airport operations personnel.Mechanical things break; which are unavoidable. Hopefully the history of this aircraft and repairs were made in it's entirely previously.


Synopsis: MD80 flight crew experiences a failure of the Captain's PFD and heading failure. The crew elects to divert to a suitable airport.