What happened
On February 17, 1978, a DC-10-30, registration PK-GIB, operated by Garuda Indonesian Airways, experienced a runway excursion during takeoff from Zurich Airport. While performing a rolling takeoff on Runway 16, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway. Despite attempts by the crew to correct the heading using the nosewheel and rudder, the aircraft continued to slide rightward. The pilots aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft eventually came to a stop approximately 3able 320 meters past the runway threshold and 25 meters outside the right edge of the runway.
There were no fatalities among the 107 passengers or the 14 crew members, though the aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear tires, the sixth main gear wheel, the nose gear steering cylinder, and six fan blades. Additionally, a runway light and a ground box were damaged.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's performance data and cockpit procedures. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating at a significantly lower weight than its maximum capability. The crew had checked the runway braking action prior to takeoff, which was reported as medium, but a post-incident inspection revealed that the first 300 meters of the runway were actually covered in ice and snow, resulting in poor braking action.
Technical analysis of the engine performance revealed a major discrepancy in thrust. While the autothrottle system was engaged, the throttle for engine number 3 remained at a lower setting for approximately seven seconds while engines 1 and 2 accelerated normally. This created a massive N1 speed difference of nearly 50% between the engines, triggering an