B737-800
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
Climbing through 34;000 feet we encountered a noise and grinding sound with a significant vibration through the plane. I noticed an odor and told the Captain and at that exact time the flight attendants called up saying that there was smoke in the cabin. We looked at the instruments and noticed both engines were erratic in their readings and a high vibration occurring on the number 2 engine. All of these events were happened at the same time.  I flew the aircraft the Captain worked the checklist and requested priority handling.  We shutdown the number 2 engine. An airport was right in front of us and we decided to divert there. Captain took care of the passenger PAs and flight attendants while I controlled the aircraft and flew.  After completing all the checklists and on downwind Captain took the aircraft and landed the plane. Fire Department was on scene and looked over the plane after we landed. They didn't noticed any leaks or fires so we taxied to the gate with them following us.  We had paramedics meet us at the gate to treat any passengers or crew members in case they needed assistance.After we made it to the gate and the passengers deplaned we inspected the number 2 engine.  There was damage to the nose cone and fan blades and inner engine cowling.  Something happened in flight for the parts to become damaged.  We were at FL340 so I doubt there were any birds or anything we hit; not sure why this happened.
Climbing through 34;000 feet at climb power we encountered a cyclic; significant vibration through the airframe. The First Officer then noticed a toxic odor which I then noticed. This was immediately followed by a call from the flight attendants advising that the cabin was filling with smoke accompanied by a toxic odor.  This all happened over a period of about 15 seconds. We then looked at the engine instruments and noticed erratic engine indications along with reduced thrust and high engine vibration on the number 2 engine. The First Officer continued flying the aircraft and I communicated the situation to ATC with a call and a request for lower altitude. I completed the engine severe damage/separation checklist resulting in a precautionary shutdown of the number 2 engine. I then advised ATC we would be diverting for landing.After that I called the flight attendants to check on the status of the cabin. They told me the smoke and smell were dissipating rapidly. I advised them of the situation and that we would be making a precautionary landing  and would be landing in about 25 minutes. I then advised Dispatch through the ACARS message of our situation. After checking in with the First Officer on the status of the diversion I made a PA to the passengers advising them that we were having problems with one of our engines and that we were going to make a precautionary landing.  I also told them that in an abundance of caution they may see some safety equipment inspecting us after landing. Through the descent I made several more calls to the cabin to check on the status and made another PA to reassure the passengers. I also completed the one engine inoperative checklist along with the non routine landing checklist. I elected to assume control of the aircraft for landing and took the controls after we briefed the approach and after landing considerations. After landing without incident; we cleared the runway on a high speed taxi way and stopped so that the Fire Department could make an inspection of our aircraft. After Fire Department told us they saw no abnormalities I elected to taxi to the gate.The FO and I made a visual inspection of the number 2 engine and saw damage to two compressor blades along with damage to the spinner and the inner engine cowling. I was surprised at the small amount of damage considering the effects to engine performance and the smoke and fumes in the cabin.  I'd like to add that the First Officer did a great job in his duties which allowed me to focus on my duties. His calmness; superior airmanship and advice were instrumental in the smooth handling of our situation. I'd also like to commend the flight attendants especially the number 1; on their calmness; communication and professionalism in a very stressful situation.
B737-800 flight crew reported engine vibrations along with smoke and odor in the cabin. They shut down the number two engine; diverted; and landed safely.