1977 Boeing 707-436 Training Accident at Glasgow-Prestwick (G-APFK)

Incident Overview and Crew Configuration On March 17, 1977, a Boeing 707-436 was involved in an accident during the fourth day of a conversion base training programme at Glasgow-Prestwick Airport (PIK). The trainee first officer occupied the right-hand pilot's seat and was flying the first detail, while the commander sat in the left-hand seat. The captain under training acted as flight engineer, supervised by a fourth crew member, a supervisory first officer seated behind the commander. After completing pre-flight checks and engine starts, the commander briefed the trainee on crosswind takeoff techniques, emphasizing the need for into-wind aileron and opposite rudder based on a forecast of 190°/18 knots gusting to 35 knots. The aircraft was cleared to taxi to runway 13 at 08:42, and the taxiing checklist was completed. For the light training weight, standardized takeoff airspeeds were set at V1 125 knots, VR 135 knots, and V2 145 knots. However, based on the actual takeoff weight of 94,580 kg, the true takeoff airspeeds were V1 125 knots, VR 125 knots, and V2 142 knots, with VMCG and VMCA at 125 and 119 knots respectively. The aircraft entered the active runway from the fast turnoff for runway 31, with a takeoff run available of approximately 2,388 metres and a required run of 1,433 metres. The commander handed control to the trainee first officer, and the takeoff roll began from a rolling start shortly after 08:48. The Tower reported a surface wind of 220°/15 knots, and the trainee applied 15° to 20° of into-wind aileron (right wing down) and some left rudder. Full power was applied, and the flight engineer called V1 and VR. As the aircraft rotated to a 4.5° pitch attitude, the commander simulated a No. 1 engine failure by retarding the thrust lever and calling out the failure. After becoming airborne, the aircraft climbed normally to 20-30 feet when the left wing dropped about 20°, causing the No. 1 engine nacelle to strike the left edge of the runway. The aircraft then yawed and rolled to the right, sinking to the ground. The yaw/roll continued until the No. 4 nacelle struck the runway, and the aircraft tracked sideways down the runway, with engines and structural parts breaking away and the landing gear collapsing. It stopped near the intersection of runway 03/21, approximately 2,230 metres from the start of the takeoff roll. A fire erupted, with the external fire quickly controlled but the internal fire burning for about 50 minutes.