The SAS Q400s were due to a maintance issue, I cannot remember the exact details, something about an actuator needing to be serviced more often.

A blown tire would be visible from the cabin, I've had a tire blow on takeoff and everyone in the cabin (particularly the right side) knew. My pilots herd (although muffled)it, but didn't feel it because it happened pretty much right at rotation, it took a call from me to report it, pass on what tire it was etc.