Dash 8-400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Procedure
On rotation out Number 2 Main Tire Retread Cap delaminated (tire tread tore off tire). We felt a sudden slight vibration at rotation speed; but did not know what happened. The gears were retracted like normal. I noticed a small black object out of the corner of my eye fly in front of the aircraft. On climbout we asked Tower to do a runway inspection for tire debris. Climbed out like normal on the way. Contacted flight attendants and the 'A' Flight Attendant said she heard some thing hit the side of the plane at rotation and I had them inspect the engine nacelles and had a deadheading pilot check for damage; they did not see anything. Being such a short flight we were on Approach before we got word from the departure airport Operations that extensive tire debris was found on Runway XXL including one piece over 3 FT in length. Now we had enough info to know for sure that we had a tire 'blow out' we formulated a plan to land and declared an emergency as a precaution. During this time we a strong thunderstorm moved over the airport; so we used this time to go over our plan of attack and burn off fuel for a lower landing weight. Once the airport opened we had the flight attendants plan on a normal landing; but we let them and the passengers know that we would be stopping on the runway for Fire Rescue to inspect the aircraft. There was no need in our opinion for them to 'brace the cabin.' On approach we lowered the gear early to inspect and our deadheading crew member confirmed that the left inboard main tire blew out (tire tread came off). Performed a visual approach and landing to Runway X. Smooth landing; but as soon as we touched down excessive vibrations from the left gear were felt. We had the airport fire crew inspect aircraft for damage; fire; or leaks. None were noticed. Made a slow taxi to the gate. At the gate Maintenance found extensive damage to gear doors; nacelle; and fairings. Left Prop showed signs of hitting tire debris. Both Left Hand Main Tires were replaced the night before this incident with retread tires!!!It seems like the airline has had numerous issues with re-tread tires blowing apart. I'm sure any cost savings for cheaper tires were off set by aircraft damage we had in this incident.
A DHC-8-400 Number 2 retread tire came apart on takeoff. The crew declared an emergency and had an uneventful landing at their destination. Damage was found to the gear doors; nacelle; fairing and the left prop showed signs of impact.