B737-800 flight crew reported blown main gear tires during long taxi to gate.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported blown main gear tires during long taxi to gate.
Narrative
Flight Aircraft X from ZZZ1 to ZZZ was uneventful from takeoff (XXR) to landing (XYL). A landing assessment was performed and the landing distance was calculated around 4400' for a dry runway based on landing weight and other conditions. A normal touchdown occurred with auto brakes 3 and flaps 30 on the runway; reversers deployed and the Captain brought the aircraft to a safe taxi speed to exit the runway at 1.Our taxi was longer than normal going from 1 to 2. Somewhere between 3 and 4 the Captain made a comment of whoa" I asked what was wrong; and he said nothing significant. Shortly afterwards we heard a call from a trailing aircraft that both of our left main tires were flat or "blown."At that point we coordinated with Ground to come to a stop and wait for Maintenance to get further guidance. The aircraft was stopped on Taxiway 4. After talking to Maintenance Control; they wanted us to shut down and wait for a team to look at the aircraft for any damage. We shut the aircraft down with approximately 58 minutes of fuel on board and kept the remaining systems running with the APU.We did not request priority handling; however; Ground sent ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) and they surveyed the aircraft and confirmed two blown left main tires. At that point the Captain kept the Flight Attendants and the passengers up to date with the situation and plan; while I coordinated with Ground; Maintenance Control; Operations and the Fire Chief (ARFF) to ensure no follow on issues were present and we were working towards a palatable solution for deplaning and giving the aircraft back to Maintenance. In addition with keeping the passengers and cabin crew informed the Captain also coordinated with Dispatch to keep them abreast as well.Following our deplane; Maintenance informed us that both wheel fusible plugs had liberated and that both tires were deflated; but there was no damage to the tires; rims or aircraft. Cause: Not sure what we could have done differently as the approach; landing and bringing the aircraft to a taxi speed appeared normal to me. Additionally there were no indications of a dragging brake to either myself or the Captain; and the only indication of something unusual occurred on 3 after the Captain said "whoah." After that the Captain mentioned that he needed a bit more thrust than normal to taxi and then when we cam to a stop we looked out front and the aircraft appeared to lean to the left; but prior to we noticed nothing out of the ordinary."
Second reporter narrative
First flight for aircraft; and crew. Preflight accomplished. Exterior reported normal by FO (First Officer). No delay taxiing to runway. Takeoff was normal. All phases of flight were normal. Normal landing; with normal braking applied. After approximately; 30 minutes of taxi to gate in ZZZ; a shudder was felt. The aircraft behind us on the taxiway reported over Ground frequency that both main tires on the left landing gear were flat. I stopped the aircraft. No other secondary conditions were experienced; such as smoke or fire. We informed Ground that we would coordinate with Operations/Maintenance for assistance. The flight attendants; and passengers were informed of the situation. The first responders were ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting). They confirmed that the only abnormal condition was the deflated tires of the left main gear. The passengers were deplaned by stairs from the L1 door; and were transported by bus to the terminal. After speaking with the lead AMT; he stated that the tires appeared intact; with no obvious defects. In addition; he stated that the brakes did not emit high heat. The tires were changed on the taxiway; and Maintenance assumed control of the aircraft before further movement.Cause: Factors possibly were an extended taxi time. Mitigating suggestions are the installation of brake temperature indications; as well as tire pressure gauges.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.