Event Description
On 19 March 2016, an Embraer ERJ-190 operated by Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT SA departed Kraków Airport (EPKK) for Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) at 14:08 UTC. During the takeoff roll, after reaching decision speed V1, the crew felt a jolt on the middle portion of the runway. Suspecting a tire burst, the pilot requested a runway inspection after becoming airborne at 14:11 UTC. The airport duty officer inspected the runway but found no tire debris or any other objects that could have caused the shock. The crew did not observe any obstacles on the runway and reported no malfunctions.
Investigation Findings
After landing at EPWA, the landing gear was inspected and no abnormalities were detected. The crew did not record the event in the technical log. Analysis of the cockpit voice and data recorder (DVDR) revealed that at approximately 130 knots, the force on the rudder pedal increased by about 100 pounds to the right. The recording showed no difference in wheel rotational speeds, indicating constant tire pressure. All other flight parameters remained normal. The investigation determined that the most probable explanation was an unintentional and unperceived application of roughly 100 pounds of force on the right rudder pedal by the pilot flying. That pilot did not recall using excessive rudder deflection during the takeoff.
Probable Cause
The most probable cause was unintentional rudder deflection beyond the permissible range for that phase of flight.
Post-Event Actions
The aircraft remained in service with no further discrepancies found. The operator recorded the event in its SMS database and classified it according to company criteria. It will be included in safety performance indicators monitored under the Safety Management Manual.