Two MD-80 flight attendants report an engine failure in-flight and described the cabin crew's response. An emergency was declared and the flight returned to the departure airport.
Synopsis
Two MD-80 flight attendants report an engine failure in-flight and described the cabin crew's response. An emergency was declared and the flight returned to the departure airport.
Narrative
About cruising altitude we heard a loud bang and the left engine blew and the aircraft started to vibrate and shake. The # 4 and I checked the engine to see if we could see fire or smoke. She noticed something flying out the front of the engine and we noticed a smell in the cabin and smoke. The #4 called the cockpit and she told him the left engine blew and I told her to tell them there was a little smoke and an electrical smell in the cockpit. They said they knew about the engine and the smell. I went through the cabin and told everyone to stay seated and make sure their seatbelts were tightly fastened. I then met with the #1 who was on the phone with the cockpit. I made an announcement while she was on the phone that the Captain would make an announcement as soon as he was able and that we were going back. The Captain told us no evacuation; we were returning; the fire department would meet us and we'd be on the ground in 10-12 minutes. He then made an announcement and told the passengers the same thing. The #2 and I went through the cabin again and checked all seatbelts and the passengers. One passenger was hysterical and we checked on her and calmed her down. The Captain made a great landing; the fire department checked our engines for fire and we proceeded to the gate. We then got a new plane and continued the trip.
Second reporter narrative
Left engine made a loud noise. The plane yawed to the left. There was some smoke and burning smell in the cabin. Captain made a PA to the passengers what had happened. We returned to land. We deplaned at the gate. I thought it was a bomb at first; very scary. I think we should have not flown the rest of the trip. It is very stressful. I think I was in shock. Why is this happening so much on the MD-80?
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.