B737-400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
In cruise crew heard a loud bang and felt the aircraft yaw to the left. Thrust started deteriorating on the left engine (engine number 1) and EGT was rapidly increasing. After further analysis of the engine; crew noticed the number 1 oil quantity was zero and no N2 rotation. Crew declared an emergency with ATC and requested a descent. Crew opted for diversion to [another airport] due to longer runways and closer proximity to current position. Crew followed the QRH Engine Fire/Severe Damage procedure to shutdown the Number 1 Engine. At this point; crew briefed the flight attendants of situation; notified [the Operation's Center] through [airport] Operations; sent ACARS message to [the Operation's Center] as backup and made a passenger announcement explaining the situation. [We] continued QRH procedure for single engine landing. Captain elected to make landing. Positive change in control was established at 4;000 FT after all QRH procedures completed with the exception of the engine out landing checklist. Captain landed aircraft without further incident after completion of engine out landing checklist and elected to stop on the runway for [Fire Department] inspection of the aircraft. [The Fire Department] requested crew to shut down Number 2 Engine to inspect brake temperatures and status of aircraft. Crew complied with request and [the Fire Department] stated that at least one brake temperature exceeded 450 degrees. [The Fire Department] elected to get fans to cool the brakes before moving aircraft from the runway. [Airport] station personnel towed aircraft to gate under the advisement of [the Fire Department] approximately 30 minutes after landing. Numerous PA announcements were made to keep the passengers advised of current situation and the plan for them to continue to [destination] after reaching the gate. While on runway; Captain was in contact with controlling Dispatcher to advise of situation and formulate a plan for the passengers. [Customer Service] met the passengers at the gate as passengers deplaned and directed them to the gate that would have them continue on to [destination]. Captain put entry in logbook and crew scheduling directed the crew to go to the hotel. Apparent turbine failure; we are not aware if loss of oil or turbine failure occurred first. Post flight inspection revealed turbine debris in the tail section of engine.
The pilots of a B737 experienced an engine failure in cruise at 24;000 FT. They declared an emergency and diverted to another airport where a safe landing was made.