What happened
During the takeoff roll on a wet runway, the crew performed standard taxi procedures and engine checks before commencing the run at approximately 13:46. As the aircraft accelerated through 117 knots, the crew noted a noise that was attributed to the tires encountering standing water. The pilot experienced a significant deceleration, which he interpreted as a loss of engine power. In response, the pilot closed the throttles, initiated an abort procedure, deployed airbrakes and lift dumpers, and applied full wheel braking.
Despite the application of brakes, the aircraft's deceleration decreased significantly, leading the crew to suspect aquaplaning. As the aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline, the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft using nose-wheel steering and rudder. The aircraft exited the paved surface approximately 200 to 300 meters before the end of the runway, traveling onto the grass where it slewed sideways before coming to a stop with its right wing resting near the threshold lights of runway 10.
During the subsequent evacuation, some galley catering equipment shifted from its stowage, which blocked the forward emergency exit and hindered the use of that specific slide. There were no injuries among the 117 occupants on board, though the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to the extent of the damage.
Findings
- The crew encountered standing water on the runway surface during the high-speed portion of the takeoff roll.
- A reduction in the effective braking coefficient of friction occurred due to the wet conditions.
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff at or near V1 contributed to the excursion.