B747 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 27000; Flight Crew Type 6000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
I was the working Relief Pilot on this leg back. We made a normal pushback and taxi. Takeoff was normal; until just after V1; when I heard and felt a pop and the airplane shudder slightly. I didn't say anything until liftoff; when I told the Captain; I think we blew a tire. The flying First Officer tried to retract the landing gear; but the handle would only go to off; and we got a 'gear tilt' EICAS message. We all realized that we had indeed blown a tire. Reference to the QRH directed us to leave the gear down; dump fuel and land. As we started the various checklists; I felt for the best crew coordination; rather than have two captains trying to run the show; I asked the highly experienced non working relief pilot; to take over for me; and I could better assist the Captain assessing the big picture; at his direction. I tried to contact Dispatch on the SAT phone; but they could not hear my transmissions from the observers' radio panel. Finally we got in touch; and advised them of our situation. They advised us that Maintenance Control wanted us to continue to destination; and deal with the tire there. We advised them of the QRH directions to dump fuel and land; and they agreed. We continued with the fuel dump; advised the flight attendants of our situation; and declared an emergency. As we proceeded with the fuel dump; we were advised by ATC; that the debris on the runway indicated multiple blown tires; and some structural damage. By the time we got this message; we had already dumped down to max landing weight. I mentioned to the Captain; that since we didn't know exactly the extent of the damage to the landing gear; that we dump some more fuel to relieve stress on the gear; which he agreed; and we did. There was some discussion of moving the upper deck passengers to the main cabin in case of an evacuation. We later agreed that we not really trained to do that; so we didn't proceed with it. By this time; we had dumped fuel briefed the flight attendants; prepared for the approach; and waited for the runway to open; which had been closed since our departure. When they opened the runway; we made a normal approach; and landing; and rollout was completely normal. We had discussed stopping on the runway; and being towed in; but we decided that it was safe to clear the runway; then stop and be towed in; which we did. We were towed into the gate; and allowed to go on the ramp and see the damage to the landing gear area. We were all surprised at the extent of the damage; and how well the airplane still flew.
Felt slight vibration after passing V1. GEAR TILT EICAS after attempting to raise gear handle. Declared emergency; contacted Dispatch; prepped cabin for EVAC; dumped fuel; smooth landing; turned onto GOLF; stopped to have firemen inspect gear; started APU and shut down engines to wait for tow to gate.
B747 flight crew describe a tire failure during takeoff with the landing gear failing to retract once airborne. Fuel is dumped and the flight returns to the departure airport for a normal landing. The senior flight attendant's report on the incident is also included. Significant damage to the landing gear area is discovered on post flight.