Originally Posted by
dixi188
There was an issue with the length when European ran 747s.
One taking off on 08 had it's wheels in the grass at the eastern end as it got airborne. I believe some lights were damaged.
No, this never happened.
There is nice head on video shot from Matchams end of a European 747 departing 08 for NY using most of the runway, but I expect the crew just used what was available rather than haul it into the air at the minimum speed. No grass was harmed.