Safety Topics: Tyre Damage from Debris

A pre‐departure inspection on a Boeing 737–400 had noted that the tyres appeared satisfactory and the main‐wheels were ‘cool’ following two positioning flights. Almost an hour after arrival, the aircraft was taxied off the stand in a right turn, through 210°, without the use of asymmetric thrust or wheelbrakes. The crew prepared the aircraft for a flaps 5/ful thrust/bleeds‐on take‐off, at 57.1 tonnes AUW. The fuel load was 12 tonnes and the speeds for take‐off were V1 138 kt and VR 144 kt.