B777-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Automation Overrode Flight Crew; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Weather
In cruise FL370 normal operations aircraft experienced unexplained failure of the left engine. First indication was an engine fuel valve left shutoff along with engine fail left. Crew began communications with Center and began a diversion to nearest suitable airport ZZZZ. Satcom link was established with Dispatch; Flight Duty Officer and Maintenance Control for remainder of flight for support. A descent was initiated while running engine fail left checklist and restart procedures. Fuel schematic indicated engine fuel shutoff valve closed. No engine exceedances were observed. Engine restart attempt failed. Crew executed a single engine approach and landing. All appropriate checklist were accomplished. On descent and arrival to Runway 17 aircraft encountered heavy rain/possible hail which damaged paint to aircraft radome. No other damage observed. Successful landing accomplished with emergency terminated on taxi in. ATC; Company and ground support was exceptional.
Crew called on SatCom to advise that fuel shutoff valve had shut down the left engine while at FL370 and they had descended to FL290.  I conferenced in Maintenance/Power Plant and the Duty Officer.  Crew had run QRH red tabs and was recommended to land at nearest suitable airport.  Closest company facility was approximately 600nm from aircraft position.  Crew suggested a different airport located approximately 300 nm due south of flight path.  We determined that facility met suitability requirements and then diverted flight.  Aircraft landed without incident.  It was not necessary to dump fuel.The engine shut down was caused by the fuel shut off valve.
At cruise; a B777 engine shutdown in flight after the FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE closed so the crew diverted to a distant airport for a safe landing.