B757 flight crew experiences mild compressor stalls during takeoff and initial climb. When the flying First Officer retards the affected thrust lever the stalls cease. The crew returns to the departure airport for an overweight landing after declaring an emergency.
Synopsis
B757 flight crew experiences mild compressor stalls during takeoff and initial climb. When the flying First Officer retards the affected thrust lever the stalls cease. The crew returns to the departure airport for an overweight landing after declaring an emergency.
Narrative
During the takeoff at rotation we heard a pop noise with a minor bump. Since engine indications were normal; I advised Tower that we might have blown a tire. A Flight Attendant called soon after takeoff to report the noise. After flap retraction and completion of the after takeoff checklist we heard several additional pop sounds with a very mild yaw. The First Officer (pilot flying) retarded the right thrust lever slightly and the popping stopped. I got out the checklist as the First Officer flew and took over ATC communications (as we had briefed). I answered another call from a Flight Attendant who said that passengers saw flames coming from the tailpipe associated with the popping sound. The First Officer advised Departure Control that we would probably return and requested vectors. He declared an emergency while I completed the Engine Surge or Stall checklist. With no stalls occurring at reduced power we kept the engine running. I advised the Dispatcher that we were returning because of the compressor stall. I advised the Purser that we were returning and to expect a normal landing in about 10 minutes with no cabin prep required. I made a brief announcement to reassure the passengers explaining that we were returning. The landing was overweight at 213;500 LBS. After exiting runway we shut down the right engine. Emergency equipment followed us to gate and terminated the emergency.
Second reporter narrative
The weather conditions were low visibilities with fog. After engine start; engine heat was turned on and a runup made on taxiway. During taxi out; visibility requirements for First Officer were discussed and conditions were met at the time of takeoff. Takeoff was normal through V1 and just after Vr when I heard and felt loud noises and vibrations on the right side. Captain and I thought we might have blown a tire or two. We continued normal takeoff profile and advised the Tower there might be debris on the runway. About 1;500-2;000 FT MSL we heard and felt more loud banging noises and vibrations on the right side of aircraft. I was hand flying and disconnected autothrottles and pulled power back on right engine eliminating noises and vibrations. I continued to fly and talk on radios while the Captain went into QRH. First checklist attempt was severe damage; but after short discussion and normal engine indications agreed engine surge/stall checklist was needed. After checking with Captain; I declared emergency with ATC because of degraded right engine and requested vectors back to field. The checklist was very difficult to locate in the QRH! Took too long to find it because engine surge/stall title is not on left margin and there is no master index. We completed checklists and accepted vectors to ILS. [It] was a normal approach and smooth overweight landing. During operation of reverse thrust; more compressor stalls were heard and felt. No engine exceedances were noticed during the entire event. Engine was shut down once clear of all runways. Normal single engine taxi to gate and plane was safely parked at gate.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.