What happened
A Boeing 707 operated by TWA departed New York-JFK for the purpose of conducting proficiency checks and training maneuvers at the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC) located at Atlantic City Airport. The flight crew included a captain, an instructor pilot, and a flight engineer, with two additional captains present as observers. Following landing on runway 13, the aircraft received permission to taxi to the end of the runway to perform a 180-degree turn for takeoff from runway 31.
The training scenario involved a simulated engine failure occurring after V1. During the takeoff roll at 12:20, the instructor pilot reduced the No. 4 engine to training idle thrust. The crew proceeded with emergency procedures according to the standard checklist, leveling off at 1,500 feet and intercepting the ILS course for runway 13. As part of the exercise, the crew was instructed to execute a simulated three-engine approach and prepare for a missed approach at decision height.
Upon reaching the decision height, the pilot initiated a missed approach procedure by advancing power on engines 1, 2, and 3 while calling for gear and flap adjustments. However, the landing gear and flaps failed to move. During the subsequent climb, an observer noted that the hydraulic system pressure had dropped to zero. At approximately 300 feet above ground level, all hydraulic pumps were shut down. Because power had not been restored to the No. 4 engine, the aircraft suffered a total loss of directional control. The Boeing 707 impacted the ground in a nose-down, right-wing low attitude, resulting in the aircraft breaking up and catching fire.
Findings
The accident was caused by the intentional shutdown of hydraulic pumps providing pressure to the rudder without restoring power to the No. 4 engine. A contributing factor was that the emergency procedures for hydraulic fluid loss were inadequate when applied to the specific operating configuration used during the training flight.