What happened
On 25 April 2012, an Airbus A319-131, registration G-EUPX, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Berlin Tegal to London Heathrow. During the landing on Runway 09L, the aircraft touched down at a groundspeed of approximately 128 kt. The runway surface was damp, and a crosswind of 21 kt from 170° was present.
As the aircraft decelerated, the commander decided to disengage the Autobrake system. At a speed of roughly 100 kt, the pilot depressed the brake pedals asymmetrically, applying significantly more pressure to the right pedal. This action caused the aircraft to veer toward the right edge of the runway. To recover, the commander applied left rudder and the left brake pedal, which successfully returned the aircraft to the runway centerline. The co-pilot subsequently applied thrust reversers, and the aircraft continued its rollout without further incident. There were no injuries to the 5 crew members or 112 passengers on board.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft's flight data, cockpit voice recorder, and maintenance records. Investigation of the mainwheel tyres revealed lateral scuff marks, particularly on the outer edge of the outboard left main gear tyre, consistent with the lateral movement during the landing roll.
Technical analysis of the braking system and the Brake and Steering Control Unit (BSCU) found no mechanical or system faults. The investigation established that the disengagement of the Autobrake was triggered by the pilot's physical input on the pedals. The operator subsequently replaced the wheel and tyre assemblies, as well as the brake units and the BSCU, as a precaution.