Incident Overview
On August 21, 2009, a Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800, registered in Australia as VH-VOC, encountered two compressor surges in its left engine shortly after departure from Launceston Airport (LST) in Tasmania, Australia. The left engine was a CFMI CFM56-7 model.
Pilot Response
The flight crew responded by reducing the left engine's thrust to idle and subsequently returned to Launceston without further incident.
Post-Flight Inspection
A borescope inspection of the affected engine revealed damage to the high-pressure compressor. The engine was replaced following the incident.
Investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating this incident. Inquiries can be directed to the ATSB at 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia.