A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; Flight Crew Returned To Gate
Aircraft
Adjustment locking mechanism failed on First Officer's rudder pedals. Waiting on the runway for takeoff clearance; Captain set the parking brake and transferred control of aircraft. Takeoff clearance was given; parking brake released; power set to 50 percent N1. As the aircraft started to roll and needed ground directional control; both First Officer rudder pedals pushed all the way to their full travel together with no directional or braking control. Checked that the adjustment handle was in the stowed/locked position. Pedals still failed. Transferred aircraft control to Captain; he rejected the takeoff; slowed the aircraft to exit at the first taxiway. Speed at occurrence was approximately 30 knots. Stopped on the taxiway; confirmed that the locking mechanism had failed and returned to gate. Mechanical failure of the First Officer's rudder pedals. Other than a personal setting adjustment at the gate; there is no procedure to check First Officer's rudder pedals for proper movement and use. Failure was not found until actual use for ground directional/flight is required. I would suggest adding a procedure to check First Officer rudder pedals for proper movement and use.
An A320 series First Officer rudder pedals traveled full forward together with the handle in the stowed/locked position so the Captain rejected the takeoff and returned to the gate.