Airframe event involving a Boeing 737-377, VH-CZO, Darwin, Northern Territory, on 29 August 1993

On rotation for take-off the crew heard a noise. As landing gear retraction was normal and the aircraft continued to operate normally the flight was continued. The aircraft had reached about 220km from Darwin when the crew were advised by a company ground engineer that a section of main gear tyre tread had been found on the runway. The Captain briefed the crew for a possible emergency landing and the flight continued to Brisbane where emergency services were put on standby.

A safe landing was made and the aircraft taxied to a parking bay where investigation revealed that the right hand inboard tyre tread had separated, causing damage to the landing gear door clamp. The tyre was a level 6 retread (having been re-treaded 6 times), the occurrence being similar to earlier problems with this make of tyre. The company removed all re-treaded tyres above the level 4 retread status for inspection.