The jet failed to gain sufficient altitude upon takeoff, with eyewitnesses suggesting the nose was over-rotated. The F-86 Sabre has a dangerous and often fatal handling characteristic upon takeoff if the nose is raised prematurely from the runway. This handling characteristic of the F-86 was acknowledged from the early 1950s. The aircraft over-ran the runway, struck an earthen berm, and ripped through a chain link fence. Two external underwing fuel tanks ruptured and ignited upon impact with the fence, creating a massive fireball. The plane continued across Freeport Boulevard, crashing into a moving car, and struck at a local Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor at approximately 4:25 pm. The parlor was occupied in part by the Sacramento 49ers "Little League" football team. Twenty-two people died, including twelve children. An eight-year-old survivor of the accident lost nine family members: both parents, two brothers, a sister, two grandparents and two cousins. A family of four also died in the accident. Two people were killed in the car struck on Freeport Boulevard. Immediately after the crash an elderly couple trying to cross the street to the crash site were struck by a vehicle, killing the wife. The crash could have claimed many more lives if the external fuel tanks had not ruptured prior to impact, or if the jet had not been slowed by hitting the moving car and other vehicles parked in front of the restaurant. The pilot suffered a broken leg and broken arm.
Aircraft
The Canadair Sabre was a single-engine jet fighter built for the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1959. This Sabre was withdrawn from service in 1961 and placed in long-term storage. It was sold as surplus in the United States in 1971 and was bought by Spectrum Air, Inc., of Novato, California in the same year.
Aftermath
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the accident was a result of pilot error due to lack of experience on the jet. Richard L. Bingham had logged fewer than four hours flying time in the Sabre. The Federal Aviation Administration modified the rules governing the flight of ex-military jets over densely populated areas, and mandated clearance for such flights. Pilot requirements were also tightened: they would require a checkout by the manufacturer or military, and take-offs and landings would have to be observed by an FAA inspector to confirm proficiency. The Firefighters Burn Institute was instituted a year after the crash, funded from donations given to local firefighters.
Memorial
In 2002, a memorial was built at the site of the accident and dedicated in March 2003. It consists of: a rose garden with two benches, a fountain, a concrete marker and two metal plaques with the names of those who died. In 2012, a service to commemorate the 40th anniversary was held to remember the victims of the accident.
