B737-800 flight crew reported differential power when advancing power for takeoff resulted in aircraft swerving and rejected takeoff.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported differential power when advancing power for takeoff resulted in aircraft swerving and rejected takeoff.
Narrative
ZZZ Tower cleared us for to line up and wait on Runway XXR. I taxied the aircraft to comply. The nose wheel skidded during my turn onto runway. My airspeed was low but the taxiway was wet (I include this as a possible contributing factor considered in retrospect). I lined up with the centerline and left my power near 40% because I expected a quick issuance of takeoff clearance. Tower quickly cleared us for takeoff and I pushed the TO/GA button while calling for takeoff power. Before I was able to state the N1 setting the aircraft turned sharply right and I discontinued the takeoff. I did not look at the N1 gauges since my attention was focused on regaining directional control and stopping the aircraft. We informed Tower of our rejected takeoff due to asymmetrical spool up and cleared the runway. We returned to the gate and called Maintenance. I called Dispatch and had a conference call with Chief Pilot in the (Control Center) and Maintenance Control. The aircraft was removed from service and we were assigned a replacement for our flight to ZZZ1. The Mechanic informed me that they found an error for the right auto throttle timestamped at the time of our takeoff.
Second reporter narrative
We were cleared for takeoff on Runway XXR. The Captain was Pilot Flying. Captain lined up on the runway and brought both throttles to 40 percent N1 before calling for takeoff thrust. As the auto throttles advanced and were being set by the First Officer there was a severe pull towards the right side of the runway. The throttles were brought back to idle and Tower was notified that takeoff was rejected. As the Captain steered the aircraft back onto centerline we were instructed to exit at the first taxiway and turn onto taxiway X. We made a right turn onto the first taxiway when it should have been left turn to get to taxiway X. After the startle factor from the asymmetric thrust pulling us towards the edge of the runway I didn't catch the wrong turn in time. I was familiar with always make right turn offs when landing west in ZZZ. Tower advised us of the mistake and gave instructions to taxi back to the gate.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.