Rejected Takeoff at East Midlands Airport Due to Windshear and Crosswind (G-DRTN)

Incident Overview On 9 February 2020, a Boeing 737-86N, registration G-DRTN, operated by a commercial air transport passenger service, experienced a serious incident during takeoff at East Midlands Airport. The aircraft was equipped with two CFM CFM56-7B26 turbofan engines and was manufactured in 2002. The flight carried six crew members and 193 passengers, with no injuries reported. The No 4 brake unit and wheel were deformed due to brake heating during the rejected takeoff. ## Weather Conditions The incident occurred during severe weather conditions caused by Storm Ciara. The forecast indicated winds of 200° at 32 knots with gusts up to 45 knots. The runway surface was wet, limiting the aircraft to a 25-knot crosswind component for departure. The crew discussed the weather situation extensively during their briefing. ## Takeoff Sequence The commander initially decided to conduct the takeoff but later allowed the co-pilot, a Senior First Officer, to operate the aircraft to manage other ground handling issues. The crew briefed on windshear escape manoeuvres and rejected takeoff procedures. The calculated performance figures included V1 at 134 knots, VR at 149 knots, VRMAX at 158 knots, and V2 at 156 knots. As the aircraft approached the A1 holding point for Runway 27, it was cleared for takeoff with a wind of 220° at 32 knots. ## Rejected Takeoff At approximately 120 knots, the commander noted a temporary reduction in airspeed of 10 to 15 knots. Approaching V1, the aircraft deviated significantly to the right, with the commander estimating a heading deviation of 20 to 30 degrees. The commander observed a large downtrend in airspeed and called for a stop. The rejected takeoff was initiated at an airspeed of approximately 149 knots, and the aircraft stopped about 600 meters from the end of the runway. ## Aftermath After stopping, the commander made a public address announcement to alert the cabin crew. The pilots decided to vacate the runway and suggested a runway inspection due to concerns about possible contact with runway edge lights. The aircraft was towed to the stand, and passengers were disembarked. Engineering investigation revealed damage to the No 4 wheel and brake unit, which was replaced along with all wheels and tyres in accordance with the operator's maintenance manual.