B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 223; Flight Crew Total 16690; Flight Crew Type 8000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; General Declared Emergency
At FL360 in cruise flight we heard and felt a loud bang. Although no system lights had illuminated the left engine began to lose power and its EGT began to rise. Flight attendants called and reported sparks coming from the left engine. We chose to shut the engine down and declare an emergency. We diverted to a nearby airport where the landing was uneventful.
However; the auto-throttles did disengage and the Number 1 Engine N1 began to decrease. The aircraft's airspeed began to deteriorate so we requested an immediate lower altitude.The Captain briefed the flight attendants and told them to prepare the cabin for landing but not to plan for an evacuation.We landed uneventfully using Flaps 15 and maximum autobrakes. After pulling off the runway CFR circled the plane and reported no fires or external threats. We taxied to and parked at the Tower assigned gate.
Following a loud bang and sparks emitted from the left engine the flight crew of a B737 shut it down; declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.