Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, as the aircraft reached V1 speed, it struck a flock of seagulls. The crew immediately abandoned the takeoff maneuver and initiated emergency braking. However, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance. It overran the runway end, struck a perimeter fence, and came to rest 56 meters beyond the runway threshold.
Occupants and Damage
All four individuals on board escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft sustained extensive structural damage and was deemed beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause Findings
Investigators determined that the bird strike occurred precisely at V1 speed. The crew's decision to reject the takeoff was correct, but the airspeed was too high to expect the aircraft to stop within the remaining distance. The engines were not damaged, as no birds were ingested. However, the aircraft suffered excessive structural damage, leading to its write-off. The crew's overall reaction was adequate, but they failed to follow certain procedures relevant to an emergency takeoff interruption: the tail parachute was not deployed, and the emergency brakes were not activated.