B737-700 flight crew reported a rejected takeoff when observers informed them of fire coming from the #1 Engine. The flight crew exited the active runway and called for CFR. After inspecting the aircraft; CFR escorted the aircraft back to the gate.
Synopsis
B737-700 flight crew reported a rejected takeoff when observers informed them of fire coming from the #1 Engine. The flight crew exited the active runway and called for CFR. After inspecting the aircraft; CFR escorted the aircraft back to the gate.
Narrative
I was the First Officer on Aircraft X; ZZZ-ZZZ1. This was an originating flight. I performed a pre-flight inspection and did not see any abnormalities. We pushed back normally and taxied out on Engine #2 to Runway XL for departure. On taxi out; we started the #1 engine. Start occurred normally. Three to five minutes later; we were cleared into position on Runway XL. We took the runway. Tower cleared us for take-off. The Captain set the thrust to 40% N1; and then applied normal take-off power. Immediately we heard Tower key up the mic and told us to abort the take-off. A (other carrier) aircraft had apparently observed a 10 ft. flame out the back of the #1 engine; and the Tower informed us of this immediately. The Captain called the abort; closed the thrust levers; extended the speed brakes; applied the brakes; and deployed reverse thrust.I made the appropriate call outs. We had not yet achieved 80 kts; as I had not made the 80-kt. call. We stopped the aircraft just prior to the taxiway. Tower called for Crash Fire and Rescue trucks to be rolled. The Captain made the appropriate 'Remain Seated' call over the PA; and then quickly contacted the Flight Attendants to inform them of the rejected takeoff; asked if they saw any smoke or flames in the #1 engine; and to remain seated and standby. We had no indication of fire from flight deck indications. Correctly; in my estimation; the Captain then called for the Tail Pipe Fire QRH. We ran the Checklist methodically; shutting down the engine and proceeded with motoring it per the QRH. By this time; Crash Fire and Rescue had reached the aircraft.We made contact with (CFR) Crash Fire Rescue and they determined that there was no active fire or smoke coming from the #1 Engine. We ran the brake cooling performance data module and determined that our brake energy was low enough to indicate parking at the gate was safe; should we decide to continue back to the gate. We communicated with CFR that we would like an escort back to the terminal. We informed Station Operations that we had a rejected takeoff and a tailpipe fire and that we needed to return to the gate. The Captain communicated with the Flight Attendants and the passengers that we were instructed by Tower to make a rejected takeoff; and that we needed to return to the gate for maintenance. We then started the APU; performed the after landing flow; and taxied back to the gate under the Supervision of CFR.Upon arrival at gate; CFR inspected the #1 engine and found no indication of smoke or fire. We deplaned the aircraft normally through the main cabin door. We then had a face-to-face meeting with the Fire Chief to discuss their response to the situation and both sides agreed that CFR handled the situation with speed; good communication; and an emphasis on safety. They are to be commended. I was personally impressed by both the timeliness of their response; and their willingness to seek feedback after the event. Kudos to the Captain for calling for the proper checklists and bringing the aircraft to a stop safely; early in the takeoff. Also; commendations to the Flight Attendants for keeping the cabin calm; while we handled things on the flight deck. Maintenance arrived and we discussed the event; putting the write up for the #1 engine as a reported tailpipe fire. I am satisfied that we handled the matter in accordance with the training I have received as a Company First Officer.
Second reporter narrative
Number 1 Engine had tailpipe fire on takeoff. Other Air Carrier saw 10 ft. flames coming from the #1 Engine during takeoff roll and reported to Tower. ATC then requested us to reject the takeoff. Reject occurred at 75 kts. We then proceeded with the Engine Tailpipe Fire Checklist. Fire trucks rolled and inspected for fire. Fire was gone prior to fire trucks arrival. Proceeded to gate after running Brake Cooling procedures.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.