Date: 27th October 2023
Location: Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200, registration HB-IHY
Operator: Edelweiss Air
Flight Number: 8R-298
Route: Zurich (Switzerland) to Faro (Portugal)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 27th October 2023, Edelweiss Air flight 8R-298, an Airbus A320-200, aborted its takeoff at Zurich Airport due to abnormal aircraft behaviour during the takeoff roll. The crew rejected the takeoff at high speed (approximately 140 knots), vacated the runway, and taxied to a remote stand.
Passengers reported the aircraft suddenly began to shake, loose items were thrown around the cabin, and a tyre burst during deceleration. The rotation was cancelled, and the passengers disembarked safely via stairs onto the apron.
An internal investigation by Edelweiss revealed the aircraft veered significantly left of the runway centreline just below V1, requiring the captain to intervene, reject the takeoff, and steer the aircraft back to the centreline.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff Roll:
• The flight was cleared for takeoff from runway 32 with wind conditions of 250° at 13 knots gusting to 18 knots.
• The takeoff roll proceeded normally until 140 KIAS.
2. Abnormal Behaviour:
• Shortly before reaching V1, the aircraft abruptly pulled left, nearing the runway edge.
• The first officer (pilot flying) made a left rudder input followed by additional left corrections, exacerbating the deviation.
3. Takeoff Rejected:
• The captain took control, rejected the takeoff, and brought the aircraft back to the centreline.
• The aircraft came to a stop approximately 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) short of the runway end.
4. Post-Incident Actions:
• The aircraft was taxied to a remote stand, and passengers disembarked.
• The flight was cancelled, and passengers were asked to rebook.
Initial Findings
1. Rudder and Brake Inputs:
• The first officer applied left rudder and brake inputs in response to a perceived need to correct crosswind, which unintentionally increased the deviation.
• A maximum lateral acceleration of 0.53G was recorded, with a maximum deviation of 11-12 degrees from the runway axis.
2. Aircraft Systems:
• No mechanical failure was reported; the behaviour was linked to pilot input during takeoff.
3. Tyre Burst:
• A tyre burst during deceleration, likely due to the high lateral loads experienced during the event.
Contributing Factors
1. Pilot Actions:
• Misjudged rudder input exacerbated the aircraft’s deviation from the runway centreline.
2. Environmental Conditions:
• Crosswind conditions required corrective inputs, adding to the pilot workload.
3. Lack of Automated Alerts:
• The aircraft’s systems did not generate a “Load Report 15” printout during takeoff to notify the crew of excessive lateral acceleration.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Pilot Training:
• Provide additional training to pilots on handling crosswind takeoffs and recognising unintended rudder inputs.
2. System Enhancements:
• Modify aircraft systems to generate load reports during takeoff for excessive lateral or vertical loads.
3. Data Sharing:
• Foster open communication between airlines to share findings from similar events.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the critical role of pilot situational awareness and the potential for human error to affect takeoff performance. The event underscores the need for robust training and enhanced systems to support decision-making during high-stress phases of flight.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
