B-737 air carrier crew reported a flight control malfunction during the initial takeoff roll. The crew rejected the takeoff and returned to the gate where a hydraulic leak was identified by maintenance.
Synopsis
B-737 air carrier crew reported a flight control malfunction during the initial takeoff roll. The crew rejected the takeoff and returned to the gate where a hydraulic leak was identified by maintenance.
Narrative
When cleared for takeoff we took XXR full length for a max thrust takeoff. After exchange of controls; I advanced thrust levers to 40 percent N1. All engine indications were normal. Then I advanced thrust levers to 80 percent N1 and engaged TOGA. During the advance from 40 percent to 80 percent; the aircraft pulled left aggressively and consistently. As this happened; I applied right rudder to attempt to get back to centerline. The amount of rudder I was applying was excessive in relation to our speed (sub 20 kts) and had no effect on the left pull of the aircraft. As the left pull worsened; I called reject" and we accomplished a low speed reject. The left veer lessened as we decelerated. The CA took control of the aircraft and then I notified Tower that we had rejected and needed to exit the runway. We noticed no master cautions or warnings or further abnormalities. Tower cleared us to exit XXR and we uneventfully returned to gate. Upon returning to the gate and Maintenance doing a walk around; they found a hydraulic leak on the starboard main landing gear."
Second reporter narrative
ZZZ XXR full length takeoff. I was PM for FO's takeoff. FO advanced thrust to 40% N1. Normal engine acceleration. FO advanced thrust and hit TOGA button. Aircraft made a sharp pull to the left. FO rejected the takeoff at very low speed. Approximately 20 knots. I took the aircraft. We exited the runway; contacted Dispatch and Maintenance Control; and returned to the gate. We discussed the issue with maintenance while we deplaned. Shortly after our initial conversation; one of the technicians told us there was hydraulic fluid on the right outboard tire. FO stated that none of that fluid was present on the walk around. Also; we flew that airplane from ZZZ1 to ZZZ on the previous leg and did not experience any of these issues.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.