Date: 201309
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Aircraft: B737-800
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: Powerplant Lubrication System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Second reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Detector: Automation Aircraft Other Automation; Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: During cruise 2+15 into the flight my FO noticed a very quick flash of a caution light. He saw it was the Oil Filter Bypass light on the number one engine that quickly extinguished. We read through the QRH for the oil filter bypass. 3-4 minutes after the initial light came on the oil filter bypass light illuminated and stayed on. The QRH procedure was followed and the number one thrust lever was retarded to idle and the light once again extinguished. A descent was initiated to FL180. 2-3 minutes after the oil filter bypass light extinguished it again came on and stayed on; the QRH was followed and the number one engine was shut down. A divert was discussed and requested from ATC. An emergency was declared; Dispatch was contacted; the flight attendants were informed and a PA made to the passengers. We were cleared direct and set up for an ILS. The approach was set up briefed and the single engine QRH was completed. The performance data was received and discussed with Flaps 15 auto brake 3 was set the overweight landing was discussed. The approach and landing was uneventful on rollout only the right thrust reverser was used and the aircraft stopped 7;000 FT down the runway with a touchdown right at 1;000 FT. The parking brake was set and the aircraft was inspected by the fire chief with no abnormal observations. The equipment was cleared and an attempt was made but the aircraft would not move. Several attempts were made. The passengers were deplaned through L1 via stairs onto busses and transported to the terminal.


Second narrative: At cruise altitude I observed the left engine oil filter bypass light illuminate and then extinguish. I called it to the Captain's attention and we began to review the QRH procedure. A moment later the light came on again. We followed the procedure which ultimately called for the shutdown of engine number one. We completed the engine failure/shutdown QRH; advised the flight attendants and passengers; advised Dispatch and Maintenance; obtained weather and performance data and landed uneventfully. After landing we stopped on the runway to have the ARFF folks check the airplane out since we landed overweight; fast and at a high altitude airport. They gave us the all clear to taxi; but upon releasing the parking brake the aircraft would not budge. We ended up deplaning the passengers and FAs onto buses where they were shuttled to the terminal. The CA and I remained with MX personnel to assist until we had no more ability to help. We then joined the FAs and debriefed in the terminal.


Synopsis: B737-800 flight crew reports an oil filter bypass light illuminating at cruise altitude; the thrust lever is retarded in compliance with QRH procedures and the light extinguishes. The light returns shortly after; the engine is shut down and the flight diverts to the nearest suitable airport.