MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload; Distraction; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Procedure
On downwind; 190 KTS; 4;000 FT; we heard and felt a bang and then a vibration. Number 3 Engine had rolled back to approximately idle and we received an Engine 3 Low RPM alert. The engine was operating at near normal idle RPM with higher than normal EGT (approximately 540.) Oil pressure; temperature and quantity were all normal. We complied with the Low RPM QRH procedure and elected to shutdown the engine due to the high EGT. We considered using the Severe Damage Checklist but the QRH led us to the Engine Shutdown Checklist. Good job by the First Officer. We also had two jumpseating MD11 first officers in the cockpit that provided valuable help. After securing the engine; Approach asked if we could wait 5 minutes before landing so they could get some planes in before we closed the runway. I told them we could and landed about 10 minutes later. We rolled out to the end of the runway and cleared and held for the fire department to check for problems that would prevent us from taxiing to the ramp. Nothing was found and we taxied to the ramp.I thought all went well. The only area I might make a change would be in using the Severe Damage Checklist instead of the Shutdown Checklist.
[We were] operating with a MD-11 with a FADEC MEL on the plane. We had no autothrottles and higher than normal vectoring for spacing. Approach advised us we would be on an extended downwind due to heavy traffic/volume at ZZZ. Runway 22L is closed for construction. After ATC advised we would exit Class B airspace we were level at 4;000 FT MSL and assigned 190 KTS we were given a right turn and heard a bang and felt a vibration on right sight of plane. We noted the N1 had rolled back and that the fuel flow was low. The Captain announced to Confirm Engine Out; and we observed the engine stats. The Captain called for the Engine Fire/Severe Damage checklist. I then interjected my opinion that I don't see damage and we have a Level 2 LOW RPM alert. I looked at both checklists and asked the Captain what checklist to proceed with. He said the Low RPM checklist and I complied. I worked the problem and had assistance from the jumpseaters who were MD-11 guys. The Captain did great flying; talking on radios and answering my questions. Some threats that were a MAJOR factor were that the plane had a FADEC problem therefore we had NO AUTOTHROTTLES. We had ATC vectoring us all over the place for spacing and it made it more difficult with no autothrottles. When we had the emergency it would have been nice to have the autothrottles for the speed control with respect to the engine failure. The jumpseaters did great confirming and interjecting good input. I told the jumpseaters about the no autothrottles; so if they see any slowing from the target speed to IMMEDIATELY announce 'airspeed.'Approach was helpful but when we declared the emergency they asked if it would be OK to delay our landing for a few planes to get in due to us closing the runway for engine inspection. We said it was fine but it was an added distraction thinking about the answer to the question. Since we didn't know why the engine failed we didn't know if another engine may quit. It worked out fine but next time I may request no delay once we are configured for the approach.
A MD-11's Number 3 Engine failed while being vectored for landing so an emergency was declared but ATC asked for a 10 minute landing delay before closing the runway for their arrival and post landing inspection.