MD80 captain experienced an abnormal vibration from the nose gear area after gear retraction. When t...

Narrative:

On takeoff after landing gear retraction there was an extreme airframe buffet/vibration emanating from the nose wheel gear area. The landing gear was extended and the buffet/vibration ceased. An emergency was declared and the abnormal gear configuration checklist was accomplished. ATC provided an altitude to fly in order to burn off fuel to accommodate a landing below maximum landing weight. Flight attendants were briefed on the nature of the malfunction and were requested to accomplish their emergency landing checklist. A low approach was flown to the intended runway of landing to allow tower personnel to inspect the aircraft for abnormal configuration prior to a full stop landing. Tower personnel advised no visible abnormal configuration. Approach and landing to full stop were normal. Aircraft feel on landing and roll out was normal. After clearing the runway; arff personnel performed a visual inspection and advised no abnormal condition. Normal taxi to gate was accomplished.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD80 Captain experienced an abnormal vibration from the nose gear area after gear retraction. When the gear was extended the vibration disappeared and the decision was made to return to departure airport.

Narrative: On takeoff after landing gear retraction there was an extreme airframe buffet/vibration emanating from the nose wheel gear area. The landing gear was extended and the buffet/vibration ceased. An emergency was declared and the abnormal gear configuration checklist was accomplished. ATC provided an altitude to fly in order to burn off fuel to accommodate a landing below maximum landing weight. Flight attendants were briefed on the nature of the malfunction and were requested to accomplish their emergency landing checklist. A low approach was flown to the intended runway of landing to allow Tower personnel to inspect the aircraft for abnormal configuration prior to a full stop landing. Tower personnel advised no visible abnormal configuration. Approach and landing to full stop were normal. Aircraft feel on landing and roll out was normal. After clearing the runway; ARFF personnel performed a visual inspection and advised no abnormal condition. Normal taxi to gate was accomplished.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.

Attributes
ACN	898381
Time
Date	201007
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Commercial Fixed Wing
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Initial Climb
Component
Aircraft Component	Nose Gear Door
Person 1
Function	Pilot Not Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe

MD80 captain experienced an abnormal vibration from the nose gear area after gear retraction. When the gear was extended the vibration disappeared and the decision was made to return to departure airport.