Flight Crew Last 90 Days 264; Flight Crew Type 6000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
We were at about FL 240; deviating in VMC conditions around some weather; when we felt the aircraft yaw to the left. I was the Pilot Flying and immediately noticed the #2 engine N1 had spiked from 94% to 107% along with the N1 Overspeed light. I began pulling the #2 thrust lever back to attempt to get it back under the N1 limit. There was no EGT exceedance during this event. After attempting to match up the N1's; there was about a four-inch thrust lever split. We accomplished the Engine Limit/Surge/Stall QRH Checklist and determined it was best to return to [the departure airport]. We landed uneventfully about 15 minutes later.
Run-away number 2 engine N1 resulting in returning to departure city. All checklists and procedures were complied with and there were no incidents. Aircraft has a history of same issue.
The pilots of a B737-300 observed an N1 overspeed condition of the #2 engine and elected to return to the departure airport. A successful landing was completed.