B737-800 flight crew reported a loud bang during takeoff roll and a rejected takeoff.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported a loud bang during takeoff roll and a rejected takeoff.
Narrative
On the takeoff roll around 100 knots a loud pop noise was heard and takeoff was rejected. We stopped on Runway XX and had an airport operations vehicle come inspect the tires to see if any had blown due to the noise we heard from the flight deck. Once they visually inspected the tires from their vehicle I taxied the aircraft clear of the runway. Upon exiting the runway the airport fire rescue vehicles also performed visual inspection from their vehicles and also stated the tires were all good. At that point we taxied back to the gate where maintenance met the plane and they too said the tires were fine. Upon deplaning a passenger who was set in seat XXA stated they saw flames coming from the #1 engine when the loud pop noise was heard. After receiving that information I assume the engine had a compressor stall or some other issue. Once they verified the tires were okay there weren't any indications as to what may have caused the loud noise that we heard until the passenger made the statement that they saw the flames coming from the engine.
Second reporter narrative
On the takeoff roll passing roughly 110 kts; we heard a loud bang and what was perceived to be a tire pop. We executed a rejected takeoff procedure upon perceiving the aircraft was unsafe to fly. We came to a stop on the runway and had an operations personnel as well as Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) inspect the engines; flaps; gear and tires for damage. After the inspection found no damage; we returned the gate for a deeper inspection by maintenance and to allow passengers the opportunity to deplane. A passenger deplaning informed us he had observed flames coming out the left engine after the pop noise. This was relayed to maintenance.While no damage was found; there was a definite perceived threat to the aircraft's ability to fly felt by both pilots. The cabin crew also heard a loud bang. The decision to reject the takeoff was the result of split second decline making considering the previously briefed rejections criteria. The only suggestion I have for mitigating this in the future might be to have a better feeling via training either in simulators or video of what a tire pop vs hitting debris vs engine surge looks and feels like during takeoff from the pilot's perspective.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.