What happened
While taxiing for departure, the flight crew established their takeoff procedures, with the commander delegating control to the copilot. During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the crew observed a large bird on the right side of the runway. Despite this sighting, the commander instructed the copilot to proceed with the takeoff attempt.
As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 150 knots, a second large bird was spotted on the runway centerline. The copilot proceeded to rotate the aircraft type (unspecified model), reaching a nose-up pitch of between 5 and 8 degrees. At this moment, a loud noise originated from the right side of the aircraft, accompanied by intense vibrations throughout the airframe.
Following the vibration, the commander assumed control of the aircraft and attempted to abort the takeoff. The crew deployed wheel brakes and reverse thrust; however, the aircraft failed to stop within the paved surface and veered off the runway onto unpaved ground. While no fire occurred, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss. All 196 occupants were successfully evacuated, with 14 injuries reported as minor.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor was the commander's decision to reject the takeoff after rotation had already occurred following the bird strike and subsequent engine vibration.