Narrative:

I noticed [a flight I was monitoring] had made what looked like a 180 degree turn and was descending. After waiting a few minutes and not wanting to disrupt the crew in case of an emergency; I elected to call the tower and not ACARS the flight. I called the tower; identified who I was; and asked if they were aware of any issues with [the flight]. The controller informed me that they were informed it was an engine failure and the flight was returning to [departure airport]. I sent an ACARS to [the flight] letting them know that I was made aware of a possible emergency and would be monitoring ACARS and ground freq if they needed anything. I notified [operations] of the situation and at this point in time the issue was believed to be an engine failure but not confirmed. I notified [departure station] ops that [the flight] was returning. While monitoring ops freq I was able to have voice contact with [the flight]. The crew notified me that while climbing thru 11;000 feet; the number 1 engine seized and they had performed the appropriate QRH checklist; [advised ATC] and were returning to [departure airport]. I stated that I would be monitoring ACARS and freq if they needed anything additional; at this time I also notified [operations] of the details.flight landed without further incident; exited the runway was inspected by crash fire rescue equipment; and taxied under its own power to the gate.in addition to monitoring ACARS and company radio I followed the flight via [other means] to ensure positive flight following and operational control. I also maintained a timeline of the event that I incorporated into my report. The report was submitted within 2 hours of the emergency.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier Dispatcher reported he noticed a flight he was monitoring returned to the departure airport following an engine failure shortly after takeoff.

Narrative: I noticed [a flight I was monitoring] had made what looked like a 180 degree turn and was descending. After waiting a few minutes and not wanting to disrupt the crew in case of an emergency; I elected to call the Tower and not ACARS the flight. I called the Tower; identified who I was; and asked if they were aware of any issues with [the flight]. The Controller informed me that they were informed it was an engine failure and the flight was returning to [departure airport]. I sent an ACARS to [the flight] letting them know that I was made aware of a possible emergency and would be monitoring ACARS and Ground freq if they needed anything. I notified [Operations] of the situation and at this point in time the issue was believed to be an engine failure but not confirmed. I notified [departure station] Ops that [the flight] was returning. While monitoring Ops Freq I was able to have voice contact with [the flight]. The crew notified me that while climbing thru 11;000 feet; the number 1 engine seized and they had performed the appropriate QRH checklist; [advised ATC] and were returning to [departure airport]. I stated that I would be monitoring ACARS and Freq if they needed anything additional; at this time I also notified [Operations] of the details.Flight landed without further incident; exited the runway was inspected by CFR; and taxied under its own power to the gate.In addition to monitoring ACARS and Company radio I followed the flight via [other means] to ensure positive flight following and operational control. I also maintained a timeline of the event that I incorporated into my report. The report was submitted within 2 hours of the emergency.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.