A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
[On takeoff;] at approximately 800 FT; the right engine suffered an apparent compressor stall. There were three loud bangs from the engine; although the engine indications when noted were normal. The engine was not shut down; and ran fine the rest of flight. We stayed with Approach Controller; called operations; and asked them to tell the Dispatcher we were returning to [the departure airport.] We declared an emergency with ATC. Informed the passengers and flight attendants of our intent. Landed without further incident. Mechanics said there was no evidence of bird strike. Flight was cancelled.
The pilots of an A319 experienced an engine compressor stall for unknown reasons and successfully returned to the departure airport.