Investigation Summary
According to the BFU interim report (BFU26-0757-AX), the flight crew had calculated take-off speeds of V1 169 kt, Vr 175 kt and V2 180 kt for a take-off mass of 240,857 kg, with flaps 5, on a 33°C afternoon. Take-off clearance for runway 26L was given at 11:55:47 UTC and TOGA was engaged at 11:56:12. The recorders show brake pedal inputs from the left-seat pedals from the start of the take-off run; tyre marks from both main gears were found abreast of taxiway B4. Further brake applications were recorded during the roll, peaking at about 27% commanded braking on the left brake control unit and 17% on the right at 11:57:12. For around 18 seconds the indicated airspeed stayed at about 168 kt, with brief dips. Rotation began at 11:57:14 at 163 kt, abreast of the far threshold and below the planned Vr. The aircraft crossed the 60 m clearway and lifted off from the grass; the tyre tracks ended about 240 m beyond threshold 08R. The tail section and main wheels struck the approach lighting, damaging 20 lights. V1 was reached only at 11 ft radio altitude. At 15 ft pitch was 12.2° with 14° angle of attack; automatic stall protection extended the slats fully and a TAIL_STRIKE parameter was recorded. The crew declared PAN, dumped 62 t of fuel at FL90, and flew two low approaches with gear down so ground staff could inspect it. The nominated pilot in command, who had been in the jumpseat, took over as pilot flying for the landing at 13:56 UTC on runway 26R. Four left main gear tyres were found damaged; passengers left by stairs. The take-off portion of the cockpit audio had been overwritten because power stayed on for more than two hours. The BFU has seized the brake system control units and electric brake actuator controllers for detailed examination.
Final Conclusions
The investigation is ongoing. The BFU interim report states facts only and has not determined a cause.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Brakes
The recorders show brake pedal inputs and commanded braking during the take-off roll. The BFU has seized the brake system control units and electric brake actuator controllers for examination.
Flight controls
Automatic stall protection extended the slats fully just after lift-off, at 14° angle of attack.
Interesting Facts
- 01On board were 4 pilots, 12 cabin crew and 271 passengers.
- 02Rotation began at 163 kt, below the planned Vr of 175 kt; V1 was only reached at 11 ft radio altitude.
- 03Twenty runway lights beyond the end of runway 26L were damaged.
- 04The take-off portion of the cockpit voice recording was overwritten.
- 05The airframe had flown 41,421 hours and 8,189 cycles.
Location
APPROXIMATE POSITION · AIRPORT LEVEL · Coordinates are the reference point of the airport named in the location, not the point of impact. The ring shows the accuracy the record supports, not the point of impact.