B747 captain reported failures of the number 3 eec; autothrottles; and number 3 engine while in crui...

Narrative:

During cruise; FL310; we experienced the number 3 eec (electronic engine control) failure of the normal mode. Followed QRH and brought all eecs to the alternate mode. Now; autothrottles inop. Five minutes later; noticed EICAS message engine 3 fail. N1; N2 still turning; so just engine failure (not severe damage). Oil quantity normal; oil pressure normal. Followed QRH and secured number 3 engine. Brought relief pilots back to cockpit and worked as a team to resolve issues. Descended to appropriate altitude. Conference call with dispatch and maintenance control. Tried one relight attempt; unsuccessful. Told ATC our intentions to return to ZZZZ. Conference with purser and passengers to keep everyone informed of situation. We followed fuel dump checklist and dumped below max landing weight. I had the first officer fly until we were downwind and then took the aircraft. After fuel dump; completed three engine approach checklist and flew the ILS approach. Smooth touchdown (captain flying). Taxi to the gate.all crew members worked as a team to resolve issues. Good CRM. Used diversion checklist twice to make sure all things were covered. Good conference call with dispatch and maintenance control concurring with our decision to return.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B747 Captain reported failures of the Number 3 EEC; autothrottles; and Number 3 engine while in cruise at FL310. Crew followed appropriate procedures and returned to the departure airport.

Narrative: During cruise; FL310; we experienced the Number 3 EEC (Electronic Engine Control) failure of the normal mode. Followed QRH and brought all EECs to the alternate mode. Now; autothrottles inop. Five minutes later; noticed EICAS message Engine 3 fail. N1; N2 still turning; so just engine failure (not severe damage). Oil quantity normal; oil pressure normal. Followed QRH and secured number 3 engine. Brought relief pilots back to cockpit and worked as a team to resolve issues. Descended to appropriate altitude. Conference call with dispatch and maintenance control. Tried one relight attempt; unsuccessful. Told ATC our intentions to return to ZZZZ. Conference with purser and passengers to keep everyone informed of situation. We followed fuel dump checklist and dumped below max landing weight. I had the FO fly until we were downwind and then took the aircraft. After fuel dump; completed three engine approach checklist and flew the ILS approach. Smooth touchdown (Captain flying). Taxi to the gate.All crew members worked as a team to resolve issues. Good CRM. Used Diversion checklist twice to make sure all things were covered. Good conference call with dispatch and maintenance control concurring with our decision to return.

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.

Attributes
ACN	1393870
Time
Date	201610
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZZ.Airport
State Reference	FO
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Night
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B747 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Autothrottle/Speed Control
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60 Flight Crew Total 15000 Flight Crew Type 2800
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue

B747 captain reported failures of the number 3 eec; autothrottles; and number 3 engine while in cruise at FL310. Crew followed appropriate procedures and returned to the departure airport.