No fatalities

Aircraft Overrun at San Francisco Airport After Rejected Takeoff (N15712)

San Francisco, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On September 13, 1972, a Boeing 707 (registration N15712) operated by Trans World Airlines - TWA was involved in an aviation accident near San Francisco, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The initiation of rejected takeoff procedures, beyond V1 speed, with insufficient runway remaining in which to stop the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N15712
Aircraft registered N15712. Photo: Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft overran runway 01R at San Francisco Airport after the crew aborted the takeoff beyond V1 speed. The aircraft came to rest in the bay, damaged beyond repair; all three crew members evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

On an unspecified date, an aircraft was conducting a takeoff from runway 01R at San Francisco Airport. During the takeoff roll, after the aircraft had reached V1 speed, the crew noticed vibrations and a reduction in acceleration. The captain decided to reject the takeoff, but the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway length.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft overran the runway end, losing its nose gear and engine number 2 before coming to rest in the San Francisco Bay. The fuselage was broken in two. All three crew members were evacuated safely from the aircraft.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair as a result of the overrun and subsequent impact with the bay.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the incident was the initiation of rejected takeoff procedures beyond V1 speed, with insufficient runway remaining in which to stop the aircraft. The crew's action was prompted by the failure of the two right truck rear tires, which produced a noticeable aircraft vibration and a reduction in aircraft acceleration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1972 Boeing 707 accident near San Francisco, United States of America?

An aircraft overran runway 01R at San Francisco Airport after the crew aborted the takeoff beyond V1 speed. The aircraft came to rest in the bay, damaged beyond repair; all three crew members evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Sept 1972 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1972 involved a Boeing 707, registration N15712, operated by Trans World Airlines - TWA, at San Francisco, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The initiation of rejected takeoff procedures, beyond V1 speed, with insufficient runway remaining in which to stop the aircraft. The crew action was prompted by the failure of the two right truck rear tires which produced a noticeable aircraft vibration and a reduction in aircraft acceleration.