Page:Aircraft Accident Report for 1972 Sacramento Canadair Sabre accident.pdf/5

 SA-434

Adopted: March 28, 1973

Spectrum Air, Inc., Sabre Mark 5, N275X, crashed during a rejected takeoff from Runway 30 at Sacramento Executive Airport, Sacramento, California, at approximately 1624 Pacific daylight time, on September 24, 1972. The aircraft collided with several automobiles and came to rest in an ice cream parlor across the street from the airport. Twenty-two persons on the ground were killed and 28 others, including the pilot, were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

The aircraft became airborne twice during the attempted takeoff but each time returned to the runway. The pilot reported that the aircraft acceleration and control response were normal until he felt a vibration shortly after initial lift-off. He did not recall whether it persisted through the subsequent liftoff and the rejected takeoff.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the overrotation of the aircraft and subsequent derogation of the performance capability. The overrotation was the result of inadequate pilot proficiency in the aircraft and misleading visual cues.

As a result of this accident the Safety Board recommended major changes in the regulations and procedures governing certification of aircraft in the experimental category and the control of pilots who fly them. Recommendations were also made in regard to the safety of persons and property around airports.