Incident Description
On 27 May 2008, at 12:20 UTC, a Boeing B-737/300F registered EC-KDJ operated by Agroar was performing a cargo flight from Madeira Airport (LPMA) to Lisbon. After a heavy shower, the runway was wet. The aircraft backtracked on runway 05 and made a 180-degree turn before aligning for takeoff. With takeoff clearance, the pilot advanced the thrust levers to 55% N1 and activated the autothrottle by pressing TO/GA. As the aircraft began to move, the engines responded asymmetrically: the left engine accelerated more than the right, causing the aircraft to veer right. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation using normal steering and differential braking, even after reducing power. The aircraft departed the runway onto the right shoulder, where the left main landing gear outer tire struck and destroyed a runway edge light. The pilot then regained control, returned to the runway centerline, and taxied via taxiway C to the parking area. An inspection revealed a deep gash in the left main outer tire, requiring replacement. No aircraft structural damage occurred, and both crew members were uninjured.
Weather and Runway Conditions
At the time of the incident, the weather was characterized by a recent heavy shower, leaving the runway wet. The wind was moderate from the northeast at 12 knots, and the sky was very cloudy. No turbulence, wind shear, or microbursts were reported, and the wind did not restrict takeoff.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft itself suffered no damage. However, the left main outer tire sustained a deep gash from contact with the runway edge light. The tire was replaced in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual before the aircraft resumed its scheduled service.