ERJ 175 flight crew reported an engine failure during climb and a safe return to the departure airport.
Synopsis
ERJ 175 flight crew reported an engine failure during climb and a safe return to the departure airport.
Narrative
Event SummaryDuring initial climb after departure from ZZZ Runway XXL; the crew experienced a failure of Engine No. 2. The aircraft returned to ZZZ for an uneventful single-engine landing. No injuries occurred.NarrativeAircraft X was scheduled to depart ZZZ for ZZZ1 from Gate XX at XA:12. I was the Captain for the flight. We blocked out four minutes early and subsequently waited approximately fifteen minutes at the gate for the alley to clear. Once cleared; pushback was conducted without incident. Due to the short taxi to Runway XXL; I elected to start both engines after ground crew disconnection. Following engine start; we completed the flight control check and contacted Ramp for taxi clearance.We were cleared to taxi to Spot XX. Approaching Spot XX; Ground cleared us to taxi to Runway XXL via [Taxiways] 1; 2; 3; and 4. We completed the Taxi Checklist on Taxiway 4 and the Before Takeoff Checklist once established in the XXL pad. Approximately five aircraft were ahead of us in sequence.Tower instructed us to line up and wait on Runway XXL; followed shortly by a takeoff clearance for Runway XXL; RNAV to ZZZZZ. I was the Pilot Flying; and the takeoff roll and initial climb were normal with no abnormal indications noted on Engine No. 2. After cleanup; we completed the After Takeoff Checklist.On the ZZZZZ1 Departure; at approximately 7;000 feet; we were cleared direct ZZZZZ2. After the turn; I engaged the autopilot. At 8;500 feet; since we had not yet been cleared above 10;000 feet; I selected a vertical speed of 1;100 FPM. At 9;000 feet; we were cleared to climb to 17;000 feet. I selected FLCH; set 17;000 feet in the altitude window; and selected CLB (Climb) 1.Almost immediately; we heard and felt an abnormal noise and jolt. As I scanned the instruments; the First Officer (PM) called out Engine 2 Fail. We requested priority handling with ATC; and I called for the Engine 2 Failure Checklist. The FO pulled up the checklist; and we conducted it in coordination while requesting vectors back to ZZZ.When the checklist called for consideration of an engine restart; I contacted the flight attendants to determine whether any damage was suspected. They reported that several passengers observed sparks from the engine and noted a smell of smoke. Based on this information and the potential for internal damage; I elected not to attempt a restart.Around this time; I made a PA to the passengers and coordinated with the flight attendants; providing a briefing. The FO ensured that CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) services were standing by and requested that Approach notify Maintenance Control/Operations of our situation.With all checklist items complete; we were vectored for the ILS Runway XXL approach into ZZZ. The approach and landing were uneventful. After clearing the runway; we held on the high-speed taxiway while CFR inspected the aircraft and Engine No. 2 for any signs of fire; leaks; or additional damage. Upon completion of the inspection; we coordinated with Operations and were directed to Gate XY.We taxied via Spot XY to Gate XY and parked. The aircraft was deplaned without further incident.Crew Actions• Requested priority handling immediately upon engine failure• Executed all checklist procedures (Engine Failure; Single-Engine Operations)• Coordinated with ATC; Maintenance Control/Dispatch; and CFR• Declined engine restart due to suspected damage and passenger/FA reports• Completed briefing and communicated with passengers• Returned safely to ZZZ for uneventful landingCause: Catastrophic Engine Failure.Suggestions: Continue to provide crews with the exceptional training as we received allowing us to respond and overcome in emergency situations.
Second reporter narrative
Our flight was planned to depart ZZZ for ZZZ1 from Gate XX at XA:12; with me serving as First Officer. We pushed back about four minutes ahead of schedule but remained at the gate for roughly fifteen minutes while waiting for the alley to clear. Once cleared; the pushback proceeded normally. Because the taxi to Runway XXL is short; Captain elected to start both engines after ground crew disconnect. After the engines were running; we completed our flight control check and contacted Ramp for taxi instructions.Ramp cleared us to taxi to Spot XX. As we approached the spot; West Ground issued taxi instructions to Runway XXL via Taxiways G; G6; F; and WH. We ran the Taxi Checklist on Foxtrot and completed the Before Takeoff Checklist once established in the XXL run-up area; with approximately five aircraft ahead of us.Tower later instructed us to line up and wait on Runway XXL; followed by a takeoff clearance for the RNAV departure to ZZZZZ. I was the Pilot Monitoring. The takeoff roll and initial climb were normal; and Engine No. 2 showed no abnormal indications through the takeoff roll and initial climb. After the aircraft was cleaned up; we completed the After Takeoff Checklist.On the ZZZZZ1 Departure; we were cleared direct ZZZZZ2 at about 7;000 feet. After making the turn; CA engaged the autopilot. At 9;000 feet; we received clearance to climb to 17;000 feet. CA selected FLCH; and set the altitude bug for 17;000 feet; and selected CLB (Climb) 1. From my memory; within a few seconds; we heard and felt a sudden bang. As I checked the engine instruments I saw engine 2's N1 rolling back and called Engine 2 Fail." I requested priority handling with ATC and requested a descent and immediate return to ZZZ. We then ran the Engine 2 Failure Checklist. I pulled up the checklist on my EFB and we worked through it together while asking for vectors back to ZZZ.When the checklist required us to consider an engine restart; CA contacted the flight attendants to determine if any visible damage had been observed. They relayed that several passengers had seen sparks from the engine and noticed a smoke odor. Given the possibility of internal damage; he opted not to attempt a restart. I confirmed with approach that ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) would be standing by and asked Approach to notify Maintenance Control/Dispatch of the situation.With the checklist completed; ATC vectored us for the ILS Runway XXL approach. CA kept the autopilot engaged until between 500' and 200'; and then disconnected it once we were certain we could make a safe landing attempt. After clearing the runway; we stopped on a high-speed taxiway so ARFF could inspect the aircraft and Engine No. 2 for fire; leaks; or other damage. Once the inspection was complete; we coordinated with Operations and were assigned Gate XY.We taxied via Spot XY to [Gate] XY; parked; and deplaned the aircraft. I did a full walk around and noted metal pieces in the engine core tailpipe and visible damage to the rear-most stator vanes. I found no evidence of a bird strike or FOD ingestion.Cause: Engine 2 Failure in Climb Phase; cause unknown. Suggestions: None"
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.