| Executive Summary: | At 0733 hrs the aircraft commenced a takeoff from Runway 25, which was 2,329 metres (7,640 feet) in length. The weather conditions were good with a surface wind from 270º at 10 kt, visibility of 20 km, temperature 7ºC and the local sunrise was due at 0813 hrs. At a speed of around 115 kt the flight crew saw a flock of birds ahead on the runway and almost at the same time heard a loud 'bang', felt vibration through the aircraft and noticed the number one engine surge. The commander rejected the takeoff at a speed of 122 kt (V1 was 127 kt), and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway. From the position at which the aircraft came to a stop there was 1,067 metres (3,500 feet) of remaining runway length. The crew contacted the Airport Fire Service on frequency 121.6 MHz to check on the condition of the aircraft. They were advised that there was some smoke from the right main landing gear and so the commander decided to disembark the passengers on the runway. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the parking area. |
