B757 flight crew experiences mild compressor stalls during takeoff and initial climb. When the flyin...

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 pounds. After exiting runway we shut down the right engine. Emergency equipment followed us to gate and terminated the emergency.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: 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.

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.

Attributes
ACN	985659
Time
Date	201112
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	IMC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B757-200
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Takeoff
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Turbine Engine
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Not Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250 Flight Crew Total 17000 Flight Crew Type 5687
Person 2
Function	Pilot Flying First Officer
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 175 Flight Crew Total 18000 Flight Crew Type 3000
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical

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.