What happened
On the night of November 25, 2004, a MyTravel Airways UK Airbus A320, registration G-CRPH, was preparing for departure from Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes (ENEV). The aircraft was aligned for takeoff on runway 35. During the application of takeoff power, the engines did not accelerate uniformly. The left engine experienced a lag in thrust development compared to the right engine, creating an asymmetric thrust condition.
This imbalance generated a significant yawing moment, causing the aircraft to lose directional control. Despite the crew's attempts to correct the deviation by selecting engine idle, applying the brakes, and utilizing nose wheel steering, the aircraft yawed approximately 40 degrees. The aircraft departed the paved runway surface and moved onto the adjacent snow-covered soft ground. The nose wheel dug into the soil and snow, creating a large furrow before the aircraft came to a complete stop. There were no fatalities or injuries among the 116 passengers and 6 crew members, though the aircraft sustained damage to the nose wheel tire, hubcap, and a taxi light.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the aircraft's flight data, engine performance, and runway conditions. Investigators analyzed the friction measurements provided by Air Traffic Control and the physical state of the runway, which was covered with approximately 8 mm of loose dry snow over sanded ice.
Data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) revealed that while the right engine accelerated normally, the left engine's N2 (compressor speed) remained roughly 9% lower than the right engine during the power application. The investigation also reviewed the crew's decision-making regarding braking action and the effectiveness of the airport's recent sanding operations.