Page:Aircraft Accident Report for 1972 Sacramento Canadair Sabre accident.pdf/14

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The right and left flap jackscrews were partially extended and required 7-1/4 and 7-1/2 turns, respectively, to reach full extension.

The first two compressor stages of the engine had light foreign object damage, but there was no evidence of overtemperature or foreign object damage in the turbine. The engine rotor rotated freely.

Samples of fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluid were examined, and there was no evidence of contamination other than that due to the fire and sampling conditions.

The engine fuel control, two engine driven fuel pumps, and the fuel distributor assembly were functionally tested at the facilities of Orenda, Ltd. All units were capable of supplying the required amount of fuel to develop maximum rated thrust for takeoff at sea level and standard temperature.

1.13 Fire

The aircraft external fuel tanks ruptured on the chain link fence, and other tanks failed as the aircraft continued skidding across the street into the ice cream parlor. The main fireball occurred on the airport side of the street, and the fire trail followed the aircraft into the building.

Airport fire and rescue units were located at the takeoff end and midpoint of Runway 30. Rescue 8, the pickup truck at the end of the runway, began moving down the runway in anticipation of the accident and crashed through the perimeter fence on the most direct route to the wreckage. All other vehicles also responded, and firefighting activity began within a highly commendable short period of time. Other units from the Sacramento Fire Department arrived at the site within 5 minutes. In addition, the sprinkler system in the ice cream parlor was activated by the fire.

1.14 Survival Aspects

This was a survivable accident. The pilot exited the aircraft unassisted and crawled to a window of the building. He was assisted from the building by bystanders. Approximately 100 to 150 people were in the ice cream parlor at the time of the accident. Most of the survivors escaped unassisted through large windows of the building; however, many were assisted or carried out by spectators and firemen.