B737-700 flight crew reported the 'right engine began to experience a series of compressor stalls' during initial climb. The flight crew completed the appropriate procedures and requested priority handling to the departure airport where a safe landing was executed.
Synopsis
B737-700 flight crew reported the 'right engine began to experience a series of compressor stalls' during initial climb. The flight crew completed the appropriate procedures and requested priority handling to the departure airport where a safe landing was executed.
Narrative
We pushed off the gate going ZZZ to ZZZ1 and were departing Runway XXR. Due to current weather conditions; we elected to run performance data with windshear numbers. It was an uneventful takeoff and climb until around 1;500 ft. AGL. There was a loud bang; followed by violent shaking of the aircraft. I looked and noticed the N2; and the oil pressure was at zero. I [requested priority handling] and requested a return to the field for the longer Runway of XXL. We got vectors and the Captain called for the appropriate QRC/QRH Checklist. The Captain made PA announcements to the Passengers and the Flight Attendants; letting them know we would be returning to the field. The FA (Flight Attendant) alerted us that there were light fumes in the cabin; and we could start to smell them slightly. Once we were on final; we elected to do a 360 to make sure we had the checklist completed; as there were multiple interruptions from Ops; Dispatch and ATC throughout the entire situation. We did a single engine Flaps 15 landing with autobrakes 3. We let the aircraft come to a stop on its own and were met with fire trucks. The Captain asked me to run the brake cooling numbers; but I could not retrieve the necessary information needed. I believe I was still very busy and was trying to communicate with ATC and the Fire Response Team. They scanned the aircraft and stated there was no smoke or fire. The Captain called the Flight Attendants to check on the fumes situation and they stated it had dissipated and was not a threat to have to evacuate the aircraft. We elected to return to the gate to get the Passengers off; debrief and assess the situation.[Suggestion]: I believe if the brake cooling part of the checklist was in a different color; it would've been easier to recognize with all the distractions.
Second reporter narrative
We pushed back from the gate for departure off of Runway XXR. I told the First Officer to plan for a precautionary wind shear takeoff because of some convective activity off of the departure end of the runway. We taxied out to the runway without incident. We were cleared for takeoff. It was a normal takeoff and climbout until approximately 1;500 ft. AGL. The right engine began to experience a series of compressor stalls. Instinctively I grab the flight controls. The First Officer asked if I wanted to take over. I said yes. I looked at the engine gauges and saw that the oil quantity and pressure were at 0. I believe that the N2 was also at 0. I asked for the Engine; Fire; Severe Damage or Separation QRC. The First Officer was overwhelmed and it took him a moment to gather himself. We [requested priority handling] and asked for radar vectors back to ZZZ. I called the Flight Attendants to let them know that we had an engine issue and that we would be returning to ZZZ. I also told them that I would make an announcement to the Passenger as soon as I could. They informed me that there was a light smoke in the cabin and could smell fumes. I then said to keep me informed of the smoke situation and that at that time I didn't feel the need for them to prepare the cabin and I didn't think an evacuation would be necessary. We didn't put our O2 masks on because there was no smoke in the cockpit. I flew the aircraft and handled ATC to try and help calm the First Officer down. The checklists were accomplished; and a single engine landing was made uneventfully. I stopped the aircraft straight ahead on Runway XXL. We were met by fire rescue. I asked them if they could see any smoke or flames coming from the right engine. They said there was no smoke or fire. I asked if they had the ability to measure our brake temperature. They said they would not do that with the # 1 Engine still running. I asked the First Officer to get the brake cooling data. I also asked the Flight Attendants for a smoke and fumes update. They said things have improved but were still smelling the fumes. The First Officer told me he couldn't get the brake cooling data. Not wanting to keep the passengers onboard due to the fumes in the cabin; I elected to taxi to the gate to get them off the aircraft. I didn't feel like an evacuation was necessary because of the high likelihood of serious injury.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.