guest27 has posed a very interesting question; namely.
Engine fire just below V1, is it always correct to reject take off?
A modern jet airliner is designed to withstand and contain an engine fire during any phase of flight. This includes from start to taxi, takeoff, cruise, descent and landing.
Considerer for a moment, what is the real world difference between an engine fire at 5 seconds before V1, 5 seconds after V1, during the climb, during the cruise (especially over the mid-Pacific where one might be 3 hours from any possible landing), or during descent etc?
The design engineers have to allow for the case of engine fire and in particular isolating the damaging effects of heat from critical structures for a period of time until the source of fire can be isolated, contained and extinguished. How can anyone say that a fire at V1 is somehow more time critical than a fire in mid-oceanic cruise?
Just going back one step, we all know that a fire can only exist with all three critical items being present; that is, a source of fuel, oxygen and heat. Without one of these elements, fire is impossible. Once an engine is secured, fuel, hydraulics, electrics have been cut off. Next, the extinguisher gases will deplete the oxygen.
Typically, engines that do catch fire continue to produce normal or at least significant thrust until they are secured. This thrust is usable depending on the situation (climbing to 400' agl for example) until the engine is secured.
At speeds close to V1, an aircraft has more potential to go flying than it has the ability to stopping. Indeed V1 for a particular situation may mark the last possible moment in time where the aircraft can be brought to a stop if all the prerequisite retardation devices work and the crew performs their duties precisely. Max/heavy weight takeoff aborts at V1 will always involve wheel fires and possible injuries to pax during any subsequent evacuation.
Your airline standard operating procedures will dictate what your actions should be in the case put forward by guest27. Nonetheless, if you are a Commander or aspiring to become a Commander, it is your personal responsibility to ponder the question that is on the table, in an unemotional and objective manner. Quite apart from the Coroner's Court, you may have to live with your decision for the rest of your life.
Engine fire just below V1, is it always correct to reject take off?