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B757 flight crew experiences degraded engine performance at FL350. The problem cannot be remedied and the crew descends to a lower altitude and continues to destination at reduced thrust.

Narrative:

While cruising at FL350 for approximately 5 hours a deterioration in performance was encountered on the right engine. EPR dropped to a mid level value with corresponding engine parameters. There were no abnormal indications; vibrations or any associated EICAS or lights. The autothrottle was disengaged and continuous ignition was selected; later followed by flight ignition. Also engine anti-ice was selected for approximately 3 minutes. There was no change in engine performance. The throttle was then advanced full with no increase in EPR. At this point while approaching etp 2; satcom was established with company; it was determined that there were no QRH applicable procedures available for the given situation. Preparation was made for a possible divert if any further deterioration would have occurred. The right engine continued to run at a reduced EPR; a lower altitude was selected and the flight continued to final destination while routing paralleled with the route to the diversion alternate. On descent the throttle was retarded and the engine lagged in response but did decelerate; also an increase was attempted and the engine did respond but at half the rate and thrust output. Preparation was made for a possible single engine landing and/or go around in the event it would of become necessary for the engine to be shut down. A full briefing was given to the flight attendants of possible intentions; fortunately an emergency was not justified at the time. A normal landing ensued with both engines running and there were no further events. The right engine never did recover to normal thrust and response.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B757 Flight Crew experiences degraded engine performance at FL350. The problem cannot be remedied and the crew descends to a lower altitude and continues to destination at reduced thrust.

Narrative: While cruising at FL350 for approximately 5 hours a deterioration in performance was encountered on the R engine. EPR dropped to a mid level value with corresponding engine parameters. There were no abnormal indications; vibrations or any associated EICAS or lights. The autothrottle was disengaged and continuous ignition was selected; later followed by flight ignition. Also engine anti-ice was selected for approximately 3 minutes. There was no change in engine performance. The throttle was then advanced full with no increase in EPR. At this point while approaching ETP 2; SATCOM was established with company; it was determined that there were no QRH applicable procedures available for the given situation. Preparation was made for a possible divert if any further deterioration would have occurred. The R engine continued to run at a reduced EPR; a lower altitude was selected and the flight continued to final destination while routing paralleled with the route to the diversion alternate. On descent the throttle was retarded and the engine lagged in response but did decelerate; also an increase was attempted and the engine did respond but at half the rate and thrust output. Preparation was made for a possible single engine landing and/or go around in the event it would of become necessary for the engine to be shut down. A full briefing was given to the flight attendants of possible intentions; fortunately an emergency was not justified at the time. A normal landing ensued with both engines running and there were no further events. The R engine never did recover to normal thrust and response.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.