B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 385; Flight Crew Type 13500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Climbing out; at approximately 7;000 FT MSL; our Number 1 Engine failed; accompanied by a loud bang; fairly violent shudder of the aircraft and flames from the tailpipe observed by flight attendants. We declared an emergency; turned to a downwind for Runway 26 at our departure airport; and accomplished QRH procedures for Engine Severe Damage/Seizure and One Engine Inoperative Landing. The flight attendants and passengers were informed and told to expect a normal landing and taxi to the gate. A visual approach was flown to Runway 26; and we taxied clear; stopped; and had fire department personnel inspect the aircraft before taxiing to the gate. First Officer; flight attendants; ATC; company operations and airport CFR personnel should all be commended for outstanding support and coordination during this incident. After arrival at the gate; I spoke with Dispatch; Maintenance Control; and the Chief Pilot on Call on a conference call and answered their questions. A logbook entry was made.
[Report narrative contained no additional information].
A B737-700 declared an emergency and returned to their departure airport following failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff.