There are a lot of factors involved in this accident. Not the least of which is that Emirates pilots fly the A330-200, A340-300, and A340-500 as a single type. Three completely different models with completely different weights and speeds. It's not unusual for a crew to fly the A340-500 only once every three months. If they are used to the lower weights of the A330-200 and A340-300 then there isn't really a mental trigger to back them up with the weight, flap, and speed setting on a heavy weight A340-500 take-off.
As different as the contrast, on any given large type aircraft, between high, hot, max gross weight takeoff versus empty, low fuel-load, ferry leg?
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