History of the Flight
On July 7, 2009, at approximately 08:00 UTC, a Boeing 737-800NG, registration VT-AXP, departed the gate at Sharjah International Airport for a flight to Trivandrum, India. The aircraft carried 172 passengers, 2 flight crew, and 4 cabin crew. The takeoff mass was 76,200 kg, below the maximum of 77,100 kg. Engine start and taxi were normal. The aircraft lined up on Runway 30 at about 08:09:01 UTC and began its takeoff roll.
During the roll, between 130 and 140 kt indicated airspeed, the pilot in command (PIC) felt a jerking motion and a slight leftward drift. The PIC called for a rejected takeoff. The maximum groundspeed reached was 147 kt. At 08:09:37 UTC, the autobrakes applied, ground spoilers deployed at 08:09:40, and thrust reversers were fully deployed at 08:09:41. The PIC steered to return to the centerline until the aircraft stopped at 08:09:57. He instructed the first officer to notify air traffic control and request fire services, and told the cabin crew to remain seated.
Airport fire services arrived within two minutes and observed no fire or smoke. The PIC requested expedited disembarkation via mobile airstairs. After brake seizure removal, the aircraft was towed to the maintenance area.
Injuries
No injuries were reported among the 6 crew, 172 passengers, or others.
Damage to Aircraft
All four main landing gear brakes were seized due to the high-energy stop. The left-hand inboard tyre was damaged and missing a chunk, which impacted the lower surface of the left-hand inboard flap, causing a dent. The other three tyres showed erosion from dynamic friction but remained inflated.
Other Damage
None.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the rejected takeoff at high energy was the damage of the left-hand inboard tyre, which caused an abnormal takeoff roll felt by the PIC as a jerking motion. The cause behind the tyre damage was not determined.