2025-06 · NASA ASRS report 2254683
EMB-145 Flight Attendant reported receiving a call from the pilots that the flight was returning to the departure airport due to an engine malfunction. The flight landed and taxied to the gate.
(I am the instructor and I have an IOE student with me).Upon arrival to the aircraft the crew was notified of a MEL that we were not able to put any bags in the cargo bin. So we were told we needed to put roller bags under seats and limit the pax on board. Their checked bags were put on other flights. We decided to have a crew brief together and figure out the best way to make this happen. The Captain and I staggered bags and people to make the weight and balance correct. It was a long process and stressful to get everything correct making sure we didn't violate any safety concerns given the circumstances. We had to move people around multiple times. I also have an unaccompanied minor (UM). Once we figured everything out we continued on like normal having my IOE student make announcements and continuing her IOE process. About 5-10 minutes after takeoff I received a call from the Captain that we are down an engine and we're returning to ZZZ for landing. The Captain informed me that this will be a precautionary landing. (I am in the jump seat; IOE was in 1A) I then informed my IOE about what is happening. I also informed my UM of the situation. At this time the Captain made an announcement to the passengers letting them know we needed to return to ZZZ due to an issue with an engine. I then walked through my cabin and made sure all of the bags we had to put under the seats were still secured. After that I rebriefed my exit row (they both were still willing and able). At this time the Captain made his prepare for landing announcement. I made my prepare for landing announcement and walked through the cabin and sat back in my jump seat. At this time I briefed my IOE on being my able-bodied passenger (ABP) if we needed to evacuate and how to help with my UM if needed. Once we landed we stopped on the runway and stopped to be check out by the fire crew. The Captain came over the PA immediately telling us to remain seated and we will remain stopped until the fire crew gives us the okay to move. Once the OK was given; we began our taxi to a gate. This took a very long time due to a lot of congestion on the ramp. While sitting on the ramp I spoke to the UMs guardian to let them know what is happening. We both agreed the UM would stay with me until we figure out the next steps so I can keep everybody updated. Once we arrived to the gate we were met by management to make sure everyone was okay. After we deplaned; the UM stayed with me and we were assigned to a new plane to take to ZZZ1.Cause: Issue with engine causing it to be shut down and return to ZZZ. Also many concerns about having to put bags on aircraft due to cargo bin MEL.Suggestion: This flight was delayed to a previous MEL causing us to have to put carry on roller bags under the seats and moving people around multiple times. This was an extremely stressful and odd experience causing frustration to crew and passengers. I personally felt that it was uncomfortable and not a good look for passengers and having to experience this. On top of having an engine shut down and having to land back in ZZZ. All of this combined was not the best experience for passengers and put a lot of stress and frustration on the crew. I understand it was odd solution to get passengers and the plane to ZZZ1 but it raises questions and many safety concerns on my end personally.
Upon arrival we were told bags weren't able to go in the cargo pin. I worked with the IOE instructor and pilot with moving bags and customers around! Once boarded did my safety demo and other announcements as instructed! About 10 min into the flight we received a pilot call from the deck stating one of the engines had to be shut off! We proceeded back to ZZZ once arrived emergency crew was waiting for us on the runway!Cause: Issue with engine could have lead to engine failure! The engine was turned off to prevent failure which resulted in us doing a [precautionary] landing!Suggestion: With that being my very first day out of training it was one for the books! In my opinion the flight should have been cancelled or another plane used once we realized no bags could go into the bin! That was a sign to stay on the ground!
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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