Any Idea What Was Going On?

I was playing golf today in New Jersey (I know, but it was a bit too windy
for enjoyable flying today) when I noticed a 747 flying over at around 4,000
ft heading west along a corridor that is very commonly used for departures
from the NY class B airspace. A lot of planes were in that corridor today,
but what caught my attention about this particular 747 was that it was
making a lot of noise, like it was climbing at full power, yet was not
apparently gaining any altitude. It was also flying somewhat nose high,
like it was way behind the power curve. In addition, it had its nose gear
down, although the mains were retracted. I watched it for some time, and it
continued on that same course, at that apparent altitude and attitude until
it was far enough away that I lost interest. The livery was red and white,
but I did not recognize the airline. Any thoughts as to what might have
been going on? Any way to get to ATC recordings on line to see if the pilot
was having problems? Just really curious.

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)