Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Just before liftoff we noticed a large amount of vibration and noise coming from the nose gear. We both concluded it was a nose tire that had been damaged. We left the gear down and notified ATC who vectored us into a holding pattern. I contacted Maintenance Control and discussed options with them. We came to a decision to divert to ZZZ1 due to the low visibility in ZZZ (about 3;000 RVR); good weather at ZZZ1; long runways; emergency equipment availability; maintenance availability; and because we were still around 49;000 pounds and wanted to burn off fuel to get below the max landing weight. I called the Flight Attendant and informed her of our situation; directing her to prepare the cabin for an emergency landing. We made an ILS approach to a missed approach so the Tower could get a look at our nose gear as we passed over the runway. They informed us that the right nose tire was damaged; but the left tire appeared intact. We flew a visual pattern and landed with plenty of vibration from the nose gear; but good directional control. We were able to taxi slowly to the gate with the fire/rescue truck following us.
CRJ200 Captain experiences a possible tire failure at V1 and elects to leave the gear down and discuss the situation with Maintenance control. All agree to divert to a suitable airport with better weather; where a fly by reveals the right nose tire is damaged. An uneventful landing ensues.