Runway excursion, Boeing 737-8FE, ZK-PBF, Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 14 July 2007

AO-2007-023

Summary

On 14 July 2007, a Boeing 737 NG, registered ZK-PBF, taxied at Sydney Airport on taxiway 'G' to runway 16R for a take-off to Christchurch, New Zealand. The aircraft entered the runway with left engine N1 at 28% RPM and right engine N1 at 20% RPM (idle).

The flight crew commenced the take-off by increasing both engines' thrust and the Take Off / Go Around (TO/GA) button was pressed with the left engine N1 at 41% RPM and the right engine N1 at 24% RPM. As both engines accelerated, asymmetric thrust reduced directional controllability of the aircraft, and it veered off the side of the runway before the crew could bring the aircraft to a halt on the crossing runway 07.

As a result of this occurrence, the aircraft operator has reviewed procedures for initial and recurrent training of flight crews.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AO-2007-023
Occurrence date 14/07/2007
Location Sydney
State New South Wales
Report release date 18/02/2009
Report status Final
Investigation level Systemic
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Runway excursion
Occurrence class Serious Incident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer The Boeing Company
Model 737
Registration ZK-PBF
Serial number 33799
Sector Jet
Operation type Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point Sydney, NSW
Destination Christchurch, NZ
Damage Minor