Narrative:

During the takeoff roll and a few KTS prior to V1 speed; the airplane experienced strong; excessive nosewheel vibration. A small black object passed by the left forward windscreen and sliding window. Retracted gear normally. After the first officer and I discussed the possibilities for the vibration and the black object; we requested ground control to have a FOD check done near the departure end of the runway. Ground confirmed tire debris on runway. We communicated extensively with ARTCC; maintenance; dispatch; operations; the flight attendants and the passengers. We decided we would return for a fly by inspection of the nose tires followed by an overweight landing. The flight attendants prepared the cabin and passengers for a planned emergency landing. This was done while receiving vectors. After preparations were complete; we declared the emergency with center and planned for a landing on the longest available runway with emergency vehicles to be standing by. The captain first flew a visual low approach with flaps 25 and the gear down. We chose to pass by the tower so the assumed damaged tire (left) would be on the tower side to facilitate the observation. Tower reported both nose tires were there. The captain flew the visual approach and landing using flaps 40. Touchdown was less than 100 FPM at 153;900 pounds. Nose tires were held off the runway as long as possible. Braking action was good and the aircraft was taxied off of the runway to a parallel taxiway. Passengers were told to remain seated and the engines were shut down. Fire and rescue reported no hot spots were detected visually or by infrared and they would remain with us as a precaution. Maintenance confirmed the left nose tire had lost all tread and had no air pressure. They changed the tire and towed us to the gate following a ground operations escort vehicle. Maintenance said tire rim showed possible evidence of runway FOD; although; the runway was clear at time of takeoff roll. They also advised tire failure can occur to a tire that shows no visible problems prior to flight and is not avoidable. Passengers and baggage were transferred to another available aircraft with a reserve crew. Our crew remained together in first class and held a post event debriefing. The flight attendants were an outstanding; experienced crew who handled the difficult situation well. Their performance permitted the pilots to focus on the flying while knowing the cabin was under control.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B737-800 suffered a nose tire failure near V1; continued takeoff and ultimately returned to the departure airport.

Narrative: During the takeoff roll and a few KTS prior to V1 speed; the airplane experienced strong; excessive nosewheel vibration. A small black object passed by the left forward windscreen and sliding window. Retracted gear normally. After the First Officer and I discussed the possibilities for the vibration and the black object; we requested Ground Control to have a FOD check done near the departure end of the runway. Ground confirmed tire debris on runway. We communicated extensively with ARTCC; Maintenance; Dispatch; Operations; the flight attendants and the passengers. We decided we would return for a fly by inspection of the nose tires followed by an overweight landing. The flight attendants prepared the cabin and passengers for a planned emergency landing. This was done while receiving vectors. After preparations were complete; we declared the emergency with Center and planned for a landing on the longest available runway with emergency vehicles to be standing by. The Captain first flew a visual low approach with flaps 25 and the gear down. We chose to pass by the Tower so the assumed damaged tire (left) would be on the tower side to facilitate the observation. Tower reported both nose tires were there. The Captain flew the visual approach and landing using flaps 40. Touchdown was less than 100 FPM at 153;900 LBS. Nose tires were held off the runway as long as possible. Braking action was good and the aircraft was taxied off of the runway to a parallel taxiway. Passengers were told to remain seated and the engines were shut down. Fire and Rescue reported no hot spots were detected visually or by infrared and they would remain with us as a precaution. Maintenance confirmed the left nose tire had lost all tread and had no air pressure. They changed the tire and towed us to the gate following a Ground Operations escort vehicle. Maintenance said tire rim showed possible evidence of runway FOD; although; the runway was clear at time of takeoff roll. They also advised tire failure can occur to a tire that shows no visible problems prior to flight and is not avoidable. Passengers and baggage were transferred to another available aircraft with a reserve crew. Our crew remained together in First Class and held a post event debriefing. The flight attendants were an outstanding; experienced crew who handled the difficult situation well. Their performance permitted the pilots to focus on the flying while knowing the cabin was under control.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.