B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 13000; Flight Crew Type 5000
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
The flight [was] in cruise at FL370. Clear weather conditions; smooth air. Without warning; we experienced a loud 'bang' accompanied with strong airframe vibration. Number 2 Engine N1 started fluctuating between set power and 50% without moving the thrust lever. This continued as we analyzed the situation; so proceeded to 'Engine Failure' QRH checklist; which led us to shut down the engine. (Later; during the descent; we also reviewed the 'Engine limit or surge or stall' checklist; which led to the same conclusion.) After completing QRH; I gave aircraft control to the First Officer and proceeded to tell ATC that we are declaring an emergency due to engine failure and initiated diversion to an airport now about 15 NM to our north. Then called Dispatch via VHF AIRINC and advised them of the situation and my intentions. Then [I] gave the cabin crew a full briefing on the situation; then a PA to the passengers. Remainder of descent and landing went according to plan and training via the One Engine Inop Approach and Landing procedures. Landing was overweight by 3;300 LBS; but smooth and uneventful. Taxi to parking was normal. Passengers were required to stay on the aircraft for about 40 minutes from that point until airport personnel could arrive with air stairs and open the terminal building; but no complications.
A B737 crew at FL380 in level flight; experienced a loud engine report accompanied by a strong airframe vibration and surging power. They completed the ENGINE FAILURE QRH; declared an emergency and diverted to a nearby airport.