Accident Sequence
Shortly after beginning the takeoff roll on runway 09R, the takeoff warning horn sounded. The crew continued the takeoff while attempting to identify the cause of the warning. The horn ceased before the aircraft reached rotation speed. Subsequently, the stick shaker activated, and the flight crew increased thrust. However, the aircraft failed to climb. The captain then elected to discontinue the takeoff. The 727 settled onto the macadam shoulder to the right of the runway, struck a ditch, and came to rest 1,100 feet beyond the departure end of the runway and 300 feet to the right of the extended centerline.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire. All three crew members were injured.
Aircraft Configuration
Investigation determined that the flaps were set at 2 degrees, whereas the certified takeoff flap range is 5 to 25 degrees.
Probable Cause
The official finding attributed the accident to the crew's failure to abort the takeoff after being warned of an unsafe takeoff condition.