Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 157; Flight Crew Type 19000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Diverted; General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Flight was uneventful until we had been at cruise; FL380; for about 40 minutes. Number 2 engine vibrations had been at .4 and vibration went to 1.7 accompanied by a slight grinding type noise from Number 2 engine. After about 45 seconds the noise stopped; vibrations stayed at 1.7; and all indications remained normal until about 180 miles east of our destination. ATC gave us a descent to FL360. When power was retarded; the vibrations went to 3.5 accompanied by a grinding noise from Number 2 engine. Shortly thereafter; the Number 2 engine oil filter bypass light illuminated. Per the QRH; we retarded the power slowly. The oil filter bypass light remained on even after power had been at idle for a short time. We shut down the engine and diverted to a nearby airport. An emergency was declared and the divert and landing were uneventful. After exiting the runway; CFR personnel examined the exterior of the Number 2 engine and the aircraft in general and advised there was no visible damage. We taxied to the gate and deplaned the passengers. A subsequent inspection discovered obvious internal engine damage.
A B737-700 experienced significant vibration in the right engine which became excessive and illuminated the oil filter bypass light when thrust was reduced to idle per the vibration checklist. The flight crew declared an emergency; shut down the engine and diverted to a nearby airport.