B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 124; Flight Crew Total 14000; Flight Crew Type 4713
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
Departing runway; I was handed over to Departure Control informing me the aircraft behind us next in line for takeoff; reported fuel pouring out the left engine. This is the time I smelled a very strong odor of fuel and mentioned that to the Captain. I also stated to the Captain that prior to takeoff I observed that the left and right fuel quantity gauges were balanced.I advised Departure Control that fuel indicators are being monitored and to standby for a potential return back to [departure airport]. I then immediately noticed the left fuel indicator decreasing and now the fuel quantity on the left was much lower than the right. I advised the Captain of my observations. With that finding a fuel leak was confirmed and the Captain elected to return back. Captain transferred controls to me and I flew the aircraft; followed instructions; altitudes; headings and airspeed changes by ATC. Captain communicated with company; flight attendants and passengers. The Captain then transferred back control of the aircraft and I ran the Fuel Leak QRH procedure. Per the procedure; I selected the center tank pumps off and that is when I observed an even more abnormal rate of fuel decreasing. I shut down the left engine per QRH after confirming with the Captain. I completed all checklists prior to landing. ARFF (Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter) trucks conducted a visual inspection and found no fire indications.
B737 Flight Crew was advised by ATC that another aircraft saw fuel streaming from their left engine on takeoff. Gauges and odor confirmed fuel loss; engine shut down in accordance with QRH and Crew returned to land.