FACT - As I saw it happen.
The A320 G-MIDR had started it's take off roll, probably doing no more than 70 kts (I am no expert in judging speeds from distance) when the no.2 engine appeared to 'back fire', with some sparks ommitted from said engine. The aircraft was halted immediately on 23 with the Fire Service in attendance very swiftly. The aircraft was fully shut down and pax disembarked via normal pax steps.
The whole incident appeared to be very well handled by the Crew, Fire Service and Aviance, the pax I understand were re-accomodated on the BD65 which dropped in en route EDI-LHR.
The aircraft is now in the hangar having it's engine changed.
This was the second 'drama' at MME yesterday, the first being a Hawk which made an emergency landing after the canopy shattered fighting with a large bird.
