Page:Aircraft Accident Report for 1972 Sacramento Canadair Sabre accident.pdf/18

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On November 9, 1972, the FAA issued a General Notice (GENOT) to all field offices on "future Civil Certification, Operation, and Maintenance of Military Surplus Jet Airplanes." The notice supplements applicable handbooks, in part, as follows:

(1)

Surplus military jets will not take off or land over densely populated areas; deviations will be approved at regional level.

(2)

Prior to participation in airshows with this type of aircraft, the pilot shall submit a resume of his participation in each exhibit. Flights for this purpose, including routes of flight takeoff, departure, approach and landing shall be approved by the FAA office involved.

(3)

A pilot will not be authorized to operate a surplus military jet unless:

(a)

He shows evidence of having completed a military or manufacturer's checkout in that aircraft.

(b)

He has flown as pilot-in-command of jet aircraft within the preceding 3 months and as pilot-in-command in the particular type during the preceding 12 months.

(c)

He successfully demonstrates his knowledge of the aircraft and his flight proficiency by making three takeoffs and landings observed an FAA inspector.

2. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS

2.1 Analysis

The aircraft was certificated in accordance with existing procedures, and there is no evidence of malfunction or mechanical failure which would have prevented a normal takeoff. The pilot reported that he felt and heard a vibration shortly after initial lift-off. Apparently, he was not sufficiently concerned to reject the takeoff at that point. He stated that when he lowered the nose, acceleration seemed normal again and he continued the takeoff. The Board believes that the vibration experienced was precipitated by disturbed airflow, because of excessive nose-high attitude during lift-off. Documentation of the excessive attitude, and proper thrust development by the engine, was found in the testimony of witnesses and the analysis of the 8-mm. movies of the takeoff. The aircraft pitch attitude during the initial lift-off was more than