Four-Engine Aircraft Overrun at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport (VH-EAC)

Incident Overview During the takeoff roll on runway 13 at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport, a four-engine aircraft experienced a technical failure in engine number three at a speed of 115 knots, just before V1 speed. The captain abandoned the takeoff and initiated an emergency braking maneuver. However, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, overran, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest in flames 100 yards farther. All 50 occupants were evacuated safely, but the aircraft was completely destroyed by fire. Twenty people, including four crew members, were injured. ## Probable Cause The official investigation did not determine the exact cause of the engine number three failure or the reason why the crew was unable to stop within the remaining distance. At the time of the accident, the runway was wet due to rain, which may have contributed to the event.