Narrative:

Take off seemed normal. During initial climb out after take off; faint smell in cockpit of some type of abnormal smell. Possibly tire or rubber smell. Out of approximately 3;000 feet or so; flight attendants called cockpit and reported unknown smell in cabin initially after our take off. Cockpit advised flight attendants to advise of any change or if smell increased or changed. All indications in cockpit regarding aircraft systems were normal. Approximately 10;000 ft flight attendants chimed cockpit again and indicated that aft cabin area toward aft jump seat seemed louder and potentially an unusual vibration seemed present. Cockpit crew and cabin crew kept in communication discussing possibilities regarding possible problems. Cockpit indications still normal. Cockpit crew advised cabin crew to standby and that cockpit would get back to them shortly. As the communication with cockpit and cabin ceasing; the right motor began compressor stalling. Flight attendants still on the interphone were instructed that the aircraft would immediately return back to departure airport and we would get back to them very shortly. Cockpit crew immediately performed procedure for engine compressor stalls and declared emergency with ATC; aircraft began immediate right turn and descent for return. ATC cleared us back with no delay. Aircraft started descent 25 to 30 miles west at approximately 15;000 ft. Cockpit crew ran compressor stall crew QRH procedures; notified flight attendants of test brief and made PA to passengers. Aircraft was flown back with the right engine at idle and was landed overweight at 140;000 lbs. All emergency crews were present for approach and landing. Landing was uneventful and aircraft rolled to the end and parked between the runways. Upon landing; and parked; the right motor was shut down with fuel lever to off. Arff crew and cockpit crew communicated situation. At present; aircraft seemed to be in a safe condition and captain made a PA to cabin to remain seated; remain seated. Cockpit also communicated with flight attendants with the interphone that at present; the emergency crews would be inspecting aircraft and that no ground evacuation was planned. Arff crews communicated to cockpit that right engine did not appear to be in any danger of fire or visibly damaged. Upon further inspection; cockpit was informed that #4 tire tread was loose from tire. It was discussed between cockpit and arff crew that aircraft; and aircraft tire appeared safe to taxi. After crossing; crew parked aircraft with arff crew standing by. Cockpit crew notified maintenance to inspect aircraft and determine if aircraft could taxi to gate. Captain notified dispatch during the delay of maintenance arrival; that we declared emergency and returned with right engine at idle and landed overweight. Maintenance arrived at aircraft and determined that taxi to gate was safe. Cockpit crew requested the arff crew and maintenance to observe our taxi to gate. Aircraft arrived at gate with no further incident. Change the retread policy for MD80 tires.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD83 flight crew experiences a burnt rubber smell shortly after takeoff which is confirmed by the flight attendants in the rear of the aircraft along with an unusual vibration. While discussing the issue the right engine begins compressor stalling. An emergency is declared and the flight returns to the departure airport for an overweight landing with the right engine at idle.

Narrative: Take off seemed normal. During initial climb out after take off; faint smell in cockpit of some type of abnormal smell. Possibly tire or rubber smell. Out of approximately 3;000 feet or so; flight attendants called cockpit and reported unknown smell in cabin initially after our take off. Cockpit advised flight attendants to advise of any change or if smell increased or changed. All indications in cockpit regarding aircraft systems were normal. Approximately 10;000 FT flight attendants chimed cockpit again and indicated that aft cabin area toward aft jump seat seemed louder and potentially an unusual vibration seemed present. Cockpit crew and cabin crew kept in communication discussing possibilities regarding possible problems. Cockpit indications still normal. Cockpit crew advised cabin crew to standby and that cockpit would get back to them shortly. As the communication with cockpit and cabin ceasing; the right motor began compressor stalling. Flight attendants still on the interphone were instructed that the aircraft would immediately return back to departure airport and we would get back to them very shortly. Cockpit crew immediately performed procedure for engine compressor stalls and declared emergency with ATC; aircraft began immediate right turn and descent for return. ATC cleared us back with no delay. Aircraft started descent 25 to 30 miles west at approximately 15;000 FT. Cockpit crew ran compressor stall crew QRH procedures; notified flight attendants of TEST brief and made PA to passengers. Aircraft was flown back with the right engine at idle and was landed overweight at 140;000 lbs. All emergency crews were present for approach and landing. Landing was uneventful and aircraft rolled to the end and parked between the runways. Upon landing; and parked; the right motor was shut down with fuel lever to off. ARFF crew and cockpit crew communicated situation. At present; aircraft seemed to be in a safe condition and Captain made a PA to cabin to remain seated; remain seated. Cockpit also communicated with flight attendants with the interphone that at present; the emergency crews would be inspecting aircraft and that no ground evacuation was planned. ARFF crews communicated to cockpit that right engine did not appear to be in any danger of fire or visibly damaged. Upon further inspection; cockpit was informed that #4 tire tread was loose from tire. It was discussed between cockpit and ARFF crew that aircraft; and aircraft tire appeared safe to taxi. After crossing; crew parked aircraft with ARFF crew standing by. Cockpit crew notified maintenance to inspect aircraft and determine if aircraft could taxi to gate. Captain notified dispatch during the delay of maintenance arrival; that we declared emergency and returned with right engine at idle and landed overweight. Maintenance arrived at aircraft and determined that taxi to gate was safe. Cockpit crew requested the ARFF crew and maintenance to observe our taxi to gate. Aircraft arrived at gate with no further incident. Change the retread policy for MD80 tires.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.