Incident Overview
During taxiing for takeoff, the commander transferred control to the copilot for the departure. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, both pilots observed a large bird on the right-hand side. The commander instructed the copilot to continue the takeoff. Shortly thereafter, at a speed of approximately 150 knots, the copilot spotted another large bird on the runway centerline. The copilot initiated rotation, and as the aircraft reached a nose-up attitude of 5 to 8 degrees, a loud noise was heard from the right side, followed by severe vibrations.
Abort and Runway Excursion
The commander immediately took over control and initiated an aborted takeoff. Reverse thrust and wheel brakes were applied, but the aircraft could not be stopped on the remaining runway. It rolled onto the kutcha (unpaved) ground adjacent to the runway. There was no fire, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was ultimately declared beyond repair.
Evacuation and Injuries
All 196 occupants on board were evacuated from the aircraft. During the evacuation, 14 individuals sustained slight injuries.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the wrong decision of the commander to reject the takeoff after the aircraft had been rotated for lift-off, following a loud sound and severe vibrations from the right engine due to a bird strike.