Version 01 (Nov.

06) Page1
Copyright 2006 - SmartCockpit.com
B737 BRIEFINGS
B737 BRIEFINGS
Two distinctive aspects: Tire failure on takeoff and/or tire failure on landing. Second aspect is
more or less the consequence of the first one!
Tire bursting incidents occur regularly.
You should read Tires Burst and What you know about you tires articles in the SmartCockpit
Flight Ops section (subsection Aircraft Systems & Instruments).
Remember that B737 tires are serviced with nitrogen.
Tire speed limit = 225 MPH / 195 kt.
Common causes for tire failures:
- Tires may suffer significant strain (each element may be submitted to about 1000 gs of
centrifugal force).
- Foreign Object Damage (FOD).
- Inadequate inflation pressure.
- Hot spot.
- Overweight landing,
- High taxi speed combined with heavy gross weight and a long taxi distance can result in tire
sidewall overheating.
- Prolonged brake applications.
- Rejected takeoff
TIRE FAILURE ON TAKEOFF
Prior to 80 knots, the takeoff should be rejected for any tire failure.
If the crew suspects a tire failure during takeoff, the ATS facility serving the departing airport
should be advised of the potential for tire pieces remaining on the runway. The crew should
consider continuing to the destination unless there is an indication that other damage has
occurred (non-normal engine indications, engine vibrations, hydraulic system failures or leaks,
etc.).
Continuing to the destination will allow the airplane weight to be reduced normally, and provide
the crew an opportunity to plan and coordinate their arrival and landing when the workload is low.
Considerations in selecting a landing airport include, but are not limited to:
- Sufficient runway length and acceptable surface conditions to account for the possible loss of
braking effectiveness;
- Sufficient runway width to account for possible directional control difficulties;
- Altitude and temperature conditions that could result in high ground speeds on touchdown and
adverse taxi conditions;
- Runway selection options regarding "taxi-in" distance after landing;
- Availability of operator maintenance personnel to meet the airplane after landing to inspect the
wheels, tires, and brakes before continued taxi;
- Availability of support facilities should the airplane need repair.
TIRE FAILURE
Version 01 (Nov.06) Page2
Copyright 2006 - SmartCockpit.com
B737 BRIEFINGS
B737 BRIEFINGS
TIRE FAILURE ON LANDING
Boeing airplanes are designed so that the landing gear and remaining tire(s) have adequate
strength to accommodate a flat nose gear tire or main gear tire.
Once the nose gear is down, vibration levels may be affected by increasing or decreasing control
column back pressure.
With a single tire failure, towing is not necessary unless unusual vibration is noticed or other
failures have occurred.
Maintenance and Exterior Inspection is very important:
- Daily check
- Correct tire pressure
- Thorough walkaround inspection
Respect SOPs / Boeing taxi speeds.
TIRE FAILURE ON TAKEOFF
Check engine parameters.
Monitor fuel leak (hard aircraft debris could damage the lower part of the wings)
Continue straight ahead or follow emergency turn procedure (if applicable)
Always think twice before retracting gear and then flaps.
After takeoff and > MSA, take up the hold to evaluate potential structural damage.
Ask yourself the good questions: If vibrations stopped on initial lift-off, it is maybe a nose landing
gear tire burst , On which side of the aircraft did I feel vibrations?
Version 01 (Nov.06) Page3
Copyright 2006 - SmartCockpit.com
B737 BRIEFINGS
B737 BRIEFINGS
TIRE FAILURE ON LANDING
Consider reducing landing weight before coming back to the airport.
Use normal approach and flare technique.
Land on the centerline.
Use differential braking as required for directional control. With a single tire failure, towing is not
necessary unless unusual vibration is noticed or other failures have occurred.
FLAT NOSE GEAR TIRE FLAT MAIN GEAR TIRE
Special technique
- Slowly and gently lower the
nose wheel to the runway while
braking lightly.
- Once the nose gear is down,
vibration levels may be
affected by increasing or
decreasing control column
back pressure.
- Maintain nose gear contact
with the runway.
- Flat main gear tire(s) cause(s) a
general loss of braking
effectiveness and a yawing
moment toward the flat tire with
light or no braking and a yawing
moment away from the flat tire if
the brakes are applied harder.
Speedbrakes Yes Yes
Reverse
Idle Reverse (Runway length
permitting)
Use idle or higher reverse thrust as
needed
Autobrake Lower settings only No
Note: Extended taxi distances or fast taxi speeds can cause significant increases in temperatures
on the remaining tires.
TIRE FAILURE ON TAKEOFF
Do not rush while experiencing a tire failure (without fire) on takeoff: assess aircraft status and
always wait to be > 400 feet before any action.
TIRE FAILURE ON LANDING
Avoid overweight landing.