Narrative:

After a normal taxi out and takeoff; a loud deep rumbling noise began as the gear was retracted. No yaw; vibration or abnormal engine indications were noted except for #1 engine N1 vibration indicator at 5.0. I reduced engine 1 to idle and the noise stopped. When the 'engine limit/surge/stall' qrc was accomplished and thrust for engine 1 was advanced and the rumbling noise did not return but 3 compressor stalls were experienced as power approached the climb thrust value. Engine 1 egt never moved from the normal range and was operated at idle power for the remainder of the flight. After consultation with dispatch and maintenance; fuel was dumped to achieve max landing gross weight and we returned to the departure airport. At no time during this sequence did I declare an emergency or ask for emergency equipment to be standing by. We did receive priority handling by ATC and emergency vehicles were in position as we landed. The lead flight attendant was advised that no prep for evacuation was required and that they should follow normal approach and landing procedures. After parking at the gate; maintenance observed engine 1 compressor blade damage and a blood trail in the aft engine area. No birds were observed during or after takeoff by any of the cockpit crew.

Related reports:

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B747-400 developed a 5.0 engine vibration after takeoff; and after the thrust was reduced then advanced compressor stalls resulted so as a precaution the flight returned to the departure airport. Apparently a bird was ingested during takeoff.

Narrative: After a normal taxi out and takeoff; a loud deep rumbling noise began as the gear was retracted. No yaw; vibration or abnormal engine indications were noted except for #1 engine N1 vibration indicator at 5.0. I reduced Engine 1 to idle and the noise stopped. When the 'Engine Limit/Surge/Stall' QRC was accomplished and thrust for Engine 1 was advanced and the rumbling noise did not return but 3 compressor stalls were experienced as power approached the climb thrust value. Engine 1 EGT never moved from the normal range and was operated at idle power for the remainder of the flight. After consultation with Dispatch and Maintenance; fuel was dumped to achieve max landing gross weight and we returned to the departure airport. At no time during this sequence did I declare an emergency or ask for emergency equipment to be standing by. We did receive priority handling by ATC and emergency vehicles were in position as we landed. The Lead Flight Attendant was advised that no Prep for evacuation was required and that they should follow normal approach and landing procedures. After parking at the gate; Maintenance observed Engine 1 compressor blade damage and a blood trail in the aft engine area. No birds were observed during or after takeoff by any of the cockpit crew.

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.