B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 216; Flight Crew Type 13000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft
It was day three of the trip. I was the pilot flying. Preflight and boarding were uneventful. There were two MELs for the autothrottles inoperative and the MCP First Officer course window inoperative. The push; start and taxi were uneventful and just prior to reaching the runway; Tower opened and cleared us for takeoff.During engine run-up; we noticed that the number one engine spooled up slower than number two; but both engines achieved takeoff thrust and no anomalies were noted. Shortly after raising the gear (I don't recall the exact altitude; but had not yet called for heading select.) We heard a loud 'boom' and the aircraft yawed severely to the left. We determined that the number one engine had failed; but had no indications of a fire. We continued to 1;000 feet AGL and cleaned up. We [advised ATC of] the engine failure and asked to climb straight ahead to 3;000 feet. Upon reviewing the engine instruments we noted that the engine had indeed failed and was 'wind-milling' at approximately seven percent N1. This seemed low; and our assessment was severe engine damage.I called for the QRC for severe engine damage and accomplished the QRC thru pulling the engine fire switch. Departure asked our intentions and we informed them we requested direct to [nearest suitable airport]. They gave us a heading and a climb to 4;000 feet. We accomplished the QRC and the appropriate QRH checklists. The First Officer made a call to the flight attendants and informed them of our situation and intentions. I made a PA to the passengers about the same. We notified Dispatch (thru ACARS) of our situation and intentions. They responded with weather and a release amendment. During the flight; we accomplished all appropriate QRH and normal checklists; including the divert checklist. We briefed a flaps 15 landing. Visual approach was uneventful. After landing; we taxied clear of the runway and had emergency personnel visually inspect the number one engine. They said there were no hot spots on the engine.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737-700 flight crew reported diverting to the nearest suitable airport after the left engine failed shortly after takeoff.