Narrative:

Heavy vibration required engine shut down during flight. At 10;000 ft on arrival the MD80 suddenly began vibrating. I was not sure whether the problem was engine related or structural. The whole airplane was shaking and the control column was also vibrating. All engine parameters were normal. I disconnected the autopilot and auto throttle and the vibration continued. I pulled back each throttle individually and found that the right engine was the source of the vibration. I called for the engine failure checklist; declared an emergency; and requested emergency handling into the nearest suitable airport. The vibration decreased significantly when the engine was at idle. But it was obvious that the engine would be unusable above idle and the engine was still vibrating enough to warrant an engine shutdown. After the APU was on line and descending we shut down the right engine. The vibration stopped. The flaps 28 approach and landing were uneventful. We stopped on the runway and coordinated with the fire chief to check out the aircraft. I made a PA to the passengers to 'please remain seated' and confirmed with the flight attendants that there was no reason to evacuate the aircraft. Fortunately a [company] mechanic came to the aircraft to inspect it. He agreed with me that it would be safe to taxi single engine to the gate. A tug was not requested. We proceeded to the gate where I wrote up the mechanical problem. I called dispatch and contacted the chief pilot on duty to explain what happened and discussed what further actions I should take. Both were very helpful. I plan on completing an as soon as possible concerning the event. I also called the tower to thank them and approach control for the professional way they handled the emergency. Most important...first officer was instrumental in the successful outcome of this aircraft emergency. While I had my hands full flying the aircraft [he] ran the checklists; coordinated with ATC; made appropriate suggestions; and monitored the aircraft. [First officer] should be commended for a job well done. He was well prepared and willing and able to step up when needed. Follow up conversation with [maintenance] the next morning confirmed the turbine bearing on the right engine failed.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD-82 flight crew reported they shut down right engine when excessive vibration was detected in descent. Single engine landing at destination followed.

Narrative: Heavy vibration required engine shut down during flight. At 10;000 FT on arrival the MD80 suddenly began vibrating. I was not sure whether the problem was engine related or structural. The whole airplane was shaking and the control column was also vibrating. All engine parameters were normal. I disconnected the autopilot and auto throttle and the vibration continued. I pulled back each throttle individually and found that the right engine was the source of the vibration. I called for the engine failure checklist; declared an emergency; and requested emergency handling into the nearest suitable airport. The vibration decreased significantly when the engine was at idle. But it was obvious that the engine would be unusable above idle and the engine was still vibrating enough to warrant an engine shutdown. After the APU was on line and descending we shut down the right engine. The vibration stopped. The flaps 28 approach and landing were uneventful. We stopped on the runway and coordinated with the fire chief to check out the aircraft. I made a PA to the passengers to 'Please remain seated' and confirmed with the flight attendants that there was no reason to evacuate the aircraft. Fortunately a [company] mechanic came to the aircraft to inspect it. He agreed with me that it would be safe to taxi single engine to the gate. A tug was not requested. We proceeded to the gate where I wrote up the mechanical problem. I called Dispatch and contacted the Chief Pilot on Duty to explain what happened and discussed what further actions I should take. Both were very helpful. I plan on completing an ASAP concerning the event. I also called the Tower to thank them and Approach Control for the professional way they handled the emergency. MOST important...First Officer was instrumental in the successful outcome of this aircraft emergency. While I had my hands full flying the aircraft [he] ran the checklists; coordinated with ATC; made appropriate suggestions; and monitored the aircraft. [First Officer] should be commended for a job well done. He was well prepared and willing and able to step up when needed. Follow up conversation with [Maintenance] the next morning confirmed the turbine bearing on the right engine failed.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.