Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll from runway 30 at Tel Aviv-Lod Airport at night, just before reaching V1 speed, the crew of a TWA Boeing 707 observed an Israeli Air Force Boeing KC-97G Stratotanker being towed across the active runway. The pilot-in-command initiated an immediate takeoff, but the left wing of the 707 struck the Stratotanker. On impact, both aircraft caught fire and exploded.
Victims and Survivors
All three crew members on board the Boeing 707 survived the collision and subsequent fire. However, both technicians aboard the KC-97G Stratotanker were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that air traffic control cleared the mechanics of the KC-97 to cross the active runway shortly after allowing the TWA crew to take off from the same runway. The interval between the two clearances was found to be too short. Additionally, ATC failed to maintain adequate awareness of potential traffic conflicts. Contributing factors included a lack of coordination between controllers and reduced visibility caused by the nighttime conditions.