The flight was planned as a proficiency check, testing crew response to a simulated single-engine failure during takeoff and landing.

[2]: 7–8 On July 26, 1969, Trans World Airlines (TWA) aircraft N787TW arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport at the end of a scheduled cargo flight.

Flight 5787 originated at JFK, and was planned to proceed to the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC) at Atlantic City Airport to perform the required training and proficiency check maneuvers.

[1][2]: 4 The proficiency checker briefed the check pilot to carry out a three-engine ILS approach and expect a three engine go-around at the decision height.

The proficiency checker called for the go-around at the decision height, and the check captain complied, applying full power on engine nos.

With no power to the rudder actuator, at low speed, undercarriage down, full flaps, and only three engines, the aircraft was not capable of recovery and the crash was inevitable.