Date: 202011
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Climb
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: Turbine Engine
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Human factors: Troubleshooting
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Automation Aircraft Other Automation; Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: Climbing out of ZZZ; at approximately 18;500 feet; we heard a muffled bang and felt yaw. The engine instruments indicated the number two engine EGT was near zero; and it was no longer producing thrust. I asked the FO to tell ATC we required a level off at FL190; and requested priority handling. I then directed the FO to read the QRH Engine Failure or Shutdown checklist.We asked ATC for return vectors to ZZZ. The landing runway was Runway XX; and strong; gusty winds favored this choice. We relayed number of souls onboard and fuel remaining to ATC.After the Engine Failure checklist was complete and the engine was secured; I spoke with the FAs; immediately followed by a brief PA to the passengers. I told them the number two engine has failed; we're returning to ZZZ; and we should be on the ground in 10 to 15 minutes.The remaining 'clean-up' checklists went well; and to my knowledge all steps were completed. We were a bit rushed due to our proximity to ZZZ. In hindsight we should have asked for slightly extended vectors to give us more time; as the approach brief was glossed over. Although it was clear VMC and we were familiar with the airport; it would have been best to do a standard brief. Also; I should have considered restarting the engine; as there was no abnormal vibration; but just occasional slight buffet. We made an uneventful; under max weight; Flaps 15 landing.The rescue trucks met us with one on Taxiway 1; north of the far end of Runway XX; and another group; I believe on the Apron near the fire station. We easily exited the runway on Taxiway 2X; and we told them we did not need any assistance; but to follow us to the gate. ATC and Crash Rescue were flawless. They were helpful; did not interfere; and followed up where necessary.Other agencies also contacted us in a professional manner; and we spoke to them in turn: Dispatch; Maintenance; Operations team; Chief Pilot; and [other] Management.


Second narrative: Preflight and takeoff were without incident until climb through 18;000 feet. As the aircraft was climbing through 18;000 feet. I felt an abnormal airframe vibration along with thumping sound that seemed to come from the right side of the airplane (lasting a few seconds). Within a few seconds the #2 Eng Fail indication appeared accompanied with a roll back and aircraft yaw. Almost immediately the 'A' Flight Attendant called up and inquired if everything was okay. I informed her we lost the #2 engine; and we would call her back. The Captain told me to call ATC [and advise them] and get vectors back to ZZZ. We accomplished the Engine Fire or Engine Severe Damage or Separation Checklist as we began our descent back into ZZZ. The Captain briefed the Flight Attendants and informed the Passengers about our situation. During our descent; we encountered occasional airframe vibrations. We also completed the One Engine Inoperative Landing Checklist on the way into ZZZ. The Captain flew a visual approach backed up with the ILS to Runway XX. After landing we taxied to the gate (IAW Brake Cooling).


Synopsis: Air carrier flight crew reported an engine failure occurred during climbout which resulted in an air return.