Status:
Date:	23 NOV 1964
Time:	13:09 UTC
Type:	Boeing 707-331
Operator:	Trans World Airlines - TWA
Registration:	N769TW
C/n / msn:	17685/123
First flight:	1960
Engines:	4 Pratt & Whitney JT4A-12
Crew:	Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 11
Passengers:	Fatalities: 45 / Occupants: 62
Total:	Fatalities: 50 / Occupants: 73
Airplane damage:	Written off
Airplane fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	Roma-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) (Italy)
Phase:	Takeoff (TOF)
Nature:	International Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:	Roma-Fiumicino Airport (FCO/LIRF), Italy
Destination airport:	Athens-Ellinikon International Airport (ATH/LGAT), Greece
Flightnumber:	800

Narrative:
The Boeing 707 started its takeoff run on runway 25 at 13:05 GMT. While accelerating through 80 knots, the no. 4 engine instruments indicated zero thrust followed by the no. 2 engine thrust reverser deployment light. The crew aborted the takeoff at a speed below V1 at 800-900m down the runway. The plane decelerated slower than expected and veered to the right, until the no. 4 engine struck a pavement roller. The 707 caught fire and traveled another 260m before coming to rest, engulfed in flames.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "Damage to reverse thrust system of No.2 engine, not discernible by means of cockpit instruments, and consisting in the disconnection of a duct with resulting lack of pressure in the pneumatic clamshell door actuating mechanism.
This malfunction allowed in the development of considerable forward thrust by No.2 engine even though the four levers were in the "reverse" position."

Events:

Sources:
» ICAO Aircraft Accident Digest No.16 - Volume III, Circular 82-AN/69 (113-124)