A B757's left engine failed to respond to the thrust lever commands during initial descent for landing. An emergency was declared and the engine left running for a normal approach; landing and taxi to the gate.
Synopsis
A B757's left engine failed to respond to the thrust lever commands during initial descent for landing. An emergency was declared and the engine left running for a normal approach; landing and taxi to the gate.
Narrative
Descending through approximately 24;000 FT MSL the Captain noted that the left engine was not responsive to commanded throttle position. The left engine was stuck at idle power with all indications normal for the engine operating at idle thrust. We started the APU and selected 'Flight Ignition.' The Captain commanded that I run the QRH checklist/checklists while he flew the aircraft and talked on the radios. The Captain declared an emergency and directed ATC to advise company of our emergency. Coordinating with the Captain I ran the 'Engine Failure or Shutdown' checklist listed under the ENG tab of the QRH. Consulting with the Captain we elected not to shut down the engine as indicated in the checklist; but set up the aircraft as directed in the checklist. Left engine indications were normal for an engine operating at idle thrust. We then accomplished the QRH Tab 2: One Engine Approach and Go-Around checklist. We then referred to the Emergency Landing checklist with consideration given to the Flight Attendant emergency information. At this point in the flight; we were in the final approach phase of flight set up to land on the runway. With the exception of the left engine stuck at idle power; all aircraft systems were indicating normal parameters. A successful landing was accomplished. After landing; all systems appeared normal and Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel and ATC did not note any abnormal indications with our aircraft. We then proceeded to the ramp. While stopped with brakes parked holding for our gate to become available the Captain briefed the number one Flight Attendant of the situation. We parked at the gate; shut down the engines normally; and accomplished all post flight tasks and checklists. Passengers and crew deplaned normally via the jetbridge.
Second reporter narrative
Takeoff; climb and cruise segments of flight were normal. During initial descent; passing approximately 24;000 FT; it was observed that the left engine did not respond to throttle movement and was stuck at idle thrust. Pilot flying assumed all radio communication duties and pilot monitoring consulted the QRH. Air Traffic Control was apprised of the situation; and was requested to relay flight status to Operations; and an emergency was declared. The decision was made to leave the engine running at idle; with the throttle positioned at idle; rather than shut it down. APU was started. Executed Engine-Out Landing in accordance with QRH procedure. Proceeded to gate and concluded flight without further event. Recorded all left engine parameters in the logbook before shutting down; no exceedences had occurred. Due to high workload; rapid pace of events; short time period involved; and no anticipated cabin evacuation; Captain deferred briefing Flight Attendant #1 of the circumstances until after landing.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.