B757 flight crew reported diverting to a nearby alternate airport after experiencing engine surging.
Synopsis
B757 flight crew reported diverting to a nearby alternate airport after experiencing engine surging.
Narrative
During an IOE flight segment at FL380 operating flight XXX at cruise; we noticed a small bumping sound in the airframe. Upon investigation we found the number 1 engine about every 20 seconds would surge. Upon review of EICAS engine instruments we decided to call Maintenance. A phone patch through Dispatch to Maintenance was initiated. Upon troubleshooting with Maintenance we decided to divert to a nearby suitable airport and [request ATC assistance]. Maintenance confirmed that their thoughts were some kind of engine surge or stall. We accomplished all appropriate checklists; notified the Flight Attendants and provided instructions. The engine was at idle until 1500 AGL when we fully configured. Upon applying power; the left engine had a big surge and the airplane shuddered. I reduced power in the engine; and landed uneventfully. We taxied the airplane to the gate; shutdown and consulted Chief Pilot; Maintenance; and airport personnel to accommodate aircraft; crew; and passengers. Crew and passengers exited aircraft after it was determined to do so in a timely fashion.
Second reporter narrative
While in cruise flight at 38;000 feet; we notice a small bump which repeated in approximately 2 minute intervals. It took a few of these bumps before we were able to determine the source was from the left engine. We observed small spikes in oil temperature and pressure coincident with the bumps but no other abnormal cockpit indications. The bumps increased gradually in frequency until they were happening approximately once every 20-30 seconds.Aircraft control and ATC comms were transferred to me and the Captain began coordination with Dispatch and conference with Maintenance. After a brief diagnosis; the collective decision was made to [request ATC assistance] and divert to the closest airport. At this point we had just passed ZZZ and so we began our descent and made a turn for ZZZ.The Captain informed the cabin crew and gave a briefing; he then made a PA announcement to the passengers. After the Captain finished the cabin briefings and announcements we began to prepare for the approach. We were handed off to ZZZ Approach and vectored for the ILS approach. Standard briefings and descent checklists were completed and the landing was made uneventfully. Normal taxi to the gate was made and the station was prepared to receive us when we arrived. A thorough debrief was conducted at the gate after completion of the parking checklist.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.