On 17 March 1977, a British Airtours Boeing 707 being used for pilot training crashed and caught fire during its take-off roll at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

After receiving take-off clearance from the tower, the crew taxied the aircraft to runway 31 for departure.

The trainee first officer commenced the take-off run by applying full power to the engines.

The aircraft slid sideways down the runway, tearing off all four engines and collapsing the landing gear while bursting into flames.

After investigating the crash for one year and four months, the AAIB published its final report in September 1978, stating the probable cause of the accident: "A loss of control which resulted from a delay in taking full corrective action during a simulated outboard engine failure exercise during take-off.