Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I was the Pilot Flying. From line up and wait on Runway 20L at SNA; we were cleared for takeoff. I raised the throttles to 40% to stabilize the engines and we heard a call over the Tower frequency that said; 'Aircraft X hit the brakes;' so I did even though I knew it wasn't the Tower Controller and we hadn't yet started rolling. Then the voice said; 'tell Aircraft X that they have a 2 ft. flame coming out of the back of their Number 1 engine.' So; I set the parking brake; shut down the Number 1 engine & remained on the runway. I called for the tailpipe fire QRC and we then ran both the QRC & QRH checklists. Then we asked the aircraft who had reported the fire if it looked like it was out. They said that the flame had gone out as soon as we brought the power back & were no other fire or smoke indications that they could see. At this point; we both felt comfortable to exit the runway and join up with the fire crews who had amassed on the adjacent taxiway. So; we exited the runway; set the brake and coordinated with the Fire Chief to examine the engine. We got the green light from the fire chief and they escorted us back to the gate uneventfully. Passenger deplaning was normal. No passenger ever even rang the flight attendant call button. The FO (First Officer) did a stellar job at helping to manage the situation and kept his composure while running the checklists. His approach and attitude during the entire event was exemplary; productive and helpful.
Air carrier Captain reported an engine malfunction during power up for takeoff.