B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 4914
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
The number 2 main gear tire shredded on departure from ZZZ. We did not realize this until in the cruise portion of the flight when ATC notified us that we were one of 3 aircraft that they suspected had blown a tire on takeoff from ZZZ. After careful elimination of other flights by ATC; ZZZ field operations and Company; it was determined that we were the most likely Aircraft to have experienced this event. As such; I deemed absent any other information that it would be prudent to [advise ATC]. After briefing the FSM about preparing the cabin for the possibility of an evacuation; I proceeded to make a PA to the passengers informing them of our situation and instructed them to comply with flight attendant instructions. It was at this point that passengers on the left side of the aircraft confirmed that in fact they did observe large chunks of rubber flying out from under the flap. We informed ATC of our intentions to land at ZZZ1 and to have CFR standing by. After careful consideration and consultation with my FO; we deemed it to be the safest course of action to fly an Autopilot coupled approach using flaps 40; minimal auto braking and reverse thrust as well as not arming the auto spoilers for landing. I elected to fly the approach with the FO assuming monitoring pilot duties. RVR was 2400.Upon breaking out of the fog; I disconnected the Autopilot and landed the Aircraft initially on the Right main gear and began a slow deceleration until the Left Main settled on the Runway. Braking was light and reverse minimal. I manually deployed the ground spoilers as we slowed through approximately 100-120 kts. We stopped straight ahead adjacent to high speed turnoff. The FO then made a remain seated PA. CFR inspected the left main gear for damage or fire. They indicated that the brakes were not all that hot and that fans were not required. Also after careful consideration; and consultation with CFR we deemed it safe to deplane the passengers via airstairs through door 1L to busses awaiting on the Tarmac. The aircraft was then towed to the gate by Maintenance without incident. I overlooked the ELB entry at the gate for the incident.
B737-800 Captain reported a main gear tire shredded on takeoff.