has the 727 ever experienced engine problems due to wing root ice shedding similar to other tail-engined a/c? Is there anything else common between #1 and #3?
1. Not to my knowledge
2. No. Fuel is tank to engine as well.
Even with #2 remaining (HYD A sys avail) one should be able to make it, cause you can bring up gear and flaps and thrust is enough to maintain altitude with medium weight.