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1. INVESTIGATION
1.1 History of the Flight
Spectrum Air, Inc., Sabre Mark 5, N275X, was flown from Oakland to Sacramento, California, to be exhibited as a static display at the Sacramento Executive Airport on September 24, 1972. This was the final day of the 2-day Golden West Sport Aviation Show. The pilot used Runway 29 for takeoff from Oakland International Airport, at approximately 1000.[1] En route to Sacramento, he rendezvoused with a friend who was flying a Grumman F-8 Bearcat, and they proceeded to Sacramento as previously arranged. Approximately 30 miles from Sacramento, the Sabre pilot requested permission for a low pass over the runway, and the tower subsequently cleared him for a low approach to Runway 30. The low pass was made at approximately 100 to 150 feet and 200 knots, in order to check the runway approach and landing area. During the low pass, the F-8 followed at a distance of approximately 3,000 feet. Normal landings were made and the Sabre was parked beside a Ford Trimotor, which was also owned by Spectrum Air, Inc. The Sabre remained parked in the roped static display area throughout the airshow.
During a break in the aerial display, at 1400, the pilot preflighted the Sabre in preparation for departure; however, an adequate starting unit was not found until about 1545. At this time the airshow was finished, and many aircraft were departing. Following a normal start and routine checking of various systems, the pilot requested, ". . . taxi VFR to Oakland. I'd like to use Runway two ah if the wind is right." The ground controller advised that Runway 30 was the active runway and that there would be a delay if he wanted Runway 2. The pilot advised that he couldn't wait too long because of fuel consumption. The ground controller then reported, ". . . Runway three zero, five thousand feet and the wind is three two zero at eight, can you handle that?" The pilot responded, "Yeah, as long as I don't have to wait for an hour out there." He was then given taxi instructions. As he approached the end of Runway 30, he was cleared into position to hold. At 1623:40, the controller advised, "Sabre Liner Seven Five X-ray, observe the two aircraft at the ah northwest field boundary climbing out ahead of you, cleared for takeoff." The pilot acknowledged, "Okay, thanks a lot huh." This was the last transmission from the aircraft.
- ↑ All times herein are Pacific daylight, based on the 24-hour clock, unless otherwise noted.
