Interesting story there, a bit emotionally stretched by that NYT guy, but reasonable when looking at the outcome of many dead people.
Lets see what those recorders can tell about the chain of events in this case.

The article mentions numerous surrounding circumstances, all being way off the ideal way. But it always takes a big collection of such happenings to trigger incidents like this one and some parts are still missing.


Lou, regarding the aborted takeoff, did you guys have strict guidelines with e. g. the 747? I mean she can really take some faulty engine and become airborne, safely. Also being able to land safely, so this abortion with "just" one lost engine may be far more dangerous than any 3 engine flight ever could be, right?
I think it's the Captain's decision and even if he's below V1 he may call "continue!" or something to avoid the maybe dangerous stop situation. Depends on the cause of the engine failure of course, so there some heavy loaded split-second to expect I think.