ERJ-170 flight crew reported the inability to maintain runway center line during the takeoff roll. The crew rejected the takeoff and returned to the gate where maintenance discovered a faulty sensor on the steering tiller.
Synopsis
ERJ-170 flight crew reported the inability to maintain runway center line during the takeoff roll. The crew rejected the takeoff and returned to the gate where maintenance discovered a faulty sensor on the steering tiller.
Narrative
Holding short on Runway XR at ZZZ. Tower instructed clear for takeoff. Captain taxied using the steering tiller onto the runway and handed over the thrust levers to me (the First Officer (FO)) to continue the takeoff roll when the aircraft was centered on the center line. I forwarded the thrust levers to approximately 40 N1 and noticed that I was unable to maintain the center line with the rudders. Captain took the controls; rejected the takeoff and advised the Tower we have an issue and we need to taxi off the runway and run some checks.On the taxi back to the runway we rechecked and confirmed that both sides are unable to steer using the rudders.We advised the Tower and taxied back to the gate.Once at the gate; we had a ramp agent verify steering switch was in normal position for the configuration. No EICAS Message were displayed; hydraulic pressure was normal in all 3 systems.Maintenance confirmed there was a bad sensor on the steering tiller.As this was a sensor failure that had not triggered an EICAS message and given the fact that there is no procedure or checklist to check the rudder steering before takeoff; this hazard can be easily missed. My only suggestion; though not feasible; would be to include a rudder steering check on the taxi checklist.Crew awareness for any abnormalities during takeoff would easily allow to quickly identify the problem
Second reporter narrative
Received takeoff clearance for Runway XR I had the engines spooled and gave the First Officer (FO) control of thrust. Now lined up with center line I gave the FO the flight controls. We did not stay on center line; reduced thrust; and advised Tower of reject. We did not add takeoff thrust. Now taxiing the FO tried to use his rudder steering to no success; and I was also not able to. We returned to Gate XX.Maintenance found the Steer Handle Sensor not giving command to Rudder Steering when it was supposed to.Typically only using the tiller for taxi out; incorporating the rudder steering before takeoff would be beneficial.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.