B737-700
Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Airframe
Maintenance Technician 20
Time Pressure; Workload; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure; Human Factors
I was accomplishing a # 3 Maintenance Visit Check on a B737-700 aircraft [on Graveyard shift] that needed the #1; #2; #4 Main Landing Gear (MLG) tires changed. I finished up the exterior parts of the aircraft. I did not check the tire pressures at that time knowing that I had three tires to be changed; I would check them after the new ones were installed and to let the other tires cool off [Nose tires and # 3 Main]. A co-worker and I changed the tires and went on to work other things on the aircraft that took us some time to get thru; then we went in and finished up the paperwork. I had to come back to the aircraft a few times to complete [items] that the Maintenance Visit Check said to do. Then went on to help other Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) get finished on their aircraft. I missed checking the tire pressures and I don't know if my co-worker checked them after we changed them. Six legs after tire change; tire or tires came apart. I think that my coworker and I being new hires and trying our best to get the Check done and the other maintenance task in a timely manner and help other people that needed help was a factor; and I did not stress to my co-worker that they [tires] need to be checked first! Or at least remind each other to check them - was a factor. [Suggest] that when I sign for something on the paperwork that I make sure it is completed and that I communicate better with the people I am working with.
Reporter stated that all three Main Landing Gear (MLG) tires they had replaced the previous night; had blown after landing; while taxiing from the Ramp into the alleyway. The Manufacturer said the tires were structurally OK; that most likely they were under-inflated and ran hot. But since all three tires were recaps; some believe low tire inflation might not be the only issue involved; especially since the B737-700 made six legs before the incident. No aircraft damage occurred. He has worked aircraft maintenance for twenty years.
A Line Mechanic reports a B737-700 aircraft blew three Main Landing Gear (MLG) recapped tires after landing; while taxiing into the gate area from the Ramp. The aircraft had flown six legs after Mechanic installed the recapped tires.