Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 167
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related
On departure we experienced a sudden failure of the number two engine with severe damage. We were climbing through 15;000 feet when; without warning; we experienced a violent shudder and loud noise from the right side of the aircraft. We quickly determined the number two engine had seized by the engine indications; no fire warnings. We ran the QRH for severe damage; [informed] ATC and received vectors back. We then ran the QRH for severe damage while briefing the flight attendants; passengers and notifying Operations. We made an uneventful landing and taxied to our gate. Upon postflight inspection; we did notice some white feathers well inside the engine and suspect it may have been a large bird or two that caused the sudden seizure.
Climbing out of 15;000 feet a very loud noise along with yawing of aircraft occurred. Upon reviewing the engine instruments; it was apparent the number two engine had failed. There was fairly significant vibration associated with the failed engine that ceased as the engine wound down. We immediately asked to level at 15;000 feet; and informed ATC of our desire to return. Once we secured the engine; we asked for vectors back. We continued the checklist and once we got to the point in the checklist that allowed me to talk to the flight attendants; I called back to ensure everything was okay in the back. I informed the flight attendants what had occurred and the plan to return. I then let the passengers know. After informing Operations that we were returning; we started the approach. The approach and landing were uneventful. We had Fire and Rescue standing by and they followed us back to the gate. Once parked at gate; I called Dispatch and asked for a patch to Maintenance Control to inform them both of what had occurred. I then got in touch with Chief Pilot on call.Fire and Rescue informed us that there was possible evidence of bird feathers in the engine.
B737 flight crew experienced a sudden engine failure climbing through 15;000 feet and returned to the departure airport. Post flight inspection revealed possible bird feathers in the engine.