2011-11 · NASA ASRS report 978142
Airbus flight crew experiences a 'whooshing' sound and aircraft begins to veer to the left during takeoff. The takeoff is rejected. During post flight a left main tire is found deflated and bird remains are found in the left engine.
Following Tower direction; cleared for takeoff. During takeoff roll; First Officer called; as normal; 80 then 100 KTS. Immediately after 100 KT called heard 'whooshing' sound and aircraft began to veer to the left. I immediately retarded thrust levers and executed aborted takeoff. Aircraft recovered normally. When I was sure that the aircraft was under control and slowing (approximately 1 second after abort began); I returned thrust to idle and disarmed the spoilers and took over braking myself. Taxied to clear runway and had DEN Operations check the aircraft for damage/tire problems etc. Operations reported brakes were smoking from heat (approximate max temperature on hottest brake was 750 C) but no damage. Fire team arrived and concurred with no damage assessment and we taxied to gate (no faster than approximately 12 KTS). No steering anomalies or control issues noted. Maintenance arrived and began changing tires on left truck. I was willing to take aircraft after tire change but on second preflight; found bird residue in left engine (unknown if it was there on first preflight or happened during takeoff). When Maintenance began to open engine cowl; I called Dispatch to arrange for another aircraft if available. Reassigned to another aircraft and reported there after pulling new paperwork.
On takeoff roll Runway 8 in Denver; at approximately 120 KTS IAS; we noticed an unusual noise followed immediately by the aircraft yawing to the left. Captain maintained directional control and initiated an aborted takeoff. As we exited the runway we both suspected a blown tire on the left main gear. Airport Operations was asked to visually inspect the aircraft for any signs of damage. None were noticed. We then proceeded back to the gate where Maintenance met aircraft. #1 tire was in fact deflated. Maintenance replaced both tires on left gear. During a walk around; I noticed bird remains behind the fan blades of the #1 engine. Maintenance started a bird strike inspection of the #1 engine and we were swapped into another aircraft.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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