Incident Overview
A four-engine aircraft overran the runway and sustained substantial damage after the captain aborted the takeoff due to a loss of power on engine number two. The incident occurred during the takeoff roll, and the aircraft came to rest a few dozen yards beyond the runway. All 14 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot-in-command observed a loss of power on engine number two. The captain decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and initiated an emergency braking maneuver. The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, overran the runway, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest a short distance beyond.
Probable Cause
The official investigation was unable to determine the exact cause of the loss of power on engine number two. However, it was noted that the captain's decision to abort the takeoff was contrary to published procedures, as the loss of power occurred after the aircraft had reached rotation speed (VR). According to those procedures, the takeoff should have been continued with three engines operating.