What happened
On August 21, 2009, a Boeing 737-800, operating as VH-VOC, departed from Launceston (LST) in Tasmania, Australia. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft's left engine, a CFMI CFM56-7, experienced two compressor surges.
In response to the surges, the crew reduced the thrust on the left engine to idle. The flight continued without further incident, and the aircraft returned to Launceston.
The investigation
A borescope inspection performed on the engine following the event identified damage to the high pressure compressor. As a result of the findings, the engine was replaced.