Takeoff Horror: Lessons from Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor Disaster of 1972
This September 24th marks the 52nd anniversary (1972) of the Sacramento Canadair Sabre Airshow Accident that caused the deaths of 22 people and injuries to around 30 more.
The day had been clear and relatively cool in Sacramento (Weather Underground, n.d.) as people flocked to see the Golden West Sport Aviation Air Show at the city’s Executive Airport. Unbeknownst to everyone there, today would soon turn into tragedy. At around 4:25 pm, a privately owned Sabre Mk. 5 began its takeoff procedure on the runway.
As it sped forward to gain enough lift, it failed to do so on multiple occasions (which was an unfortunately known characteristic of this aircraft model) (NTSB, 1973) and ultimately hurtled uncontrollably down runway 30 – soon overrunning it, going through a berm and airport perimeter fence which ruptured the aircraft’s exterior fuel tanks setting them alight and creating a large fireball – before ultimately crossing a 4-lane highway and striking an occupied vehicle at 150 mph and careening into Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor. Few customers got out of the way in time, including dozens of children and their families. All were clueless about the impending disaster until the wall they sat beside crumbled down on them (The Flint Journal, 1972).
The Firefighters Burn Institute was created in the wake of the disaster after first responders realized that there had not been sufficient medical burn expertise in the area for one of their fallen comrades who died in the disaster (Pierleoni, 2014). In all, 12 children and ten adults would perish, and more than 27 others would be injured (NTSB, 1973).
Lessons in the Value of Public Comment
Before constructing the ice cream parlor, developers, residents, city officials, and federal agencies debated the safety of building so close to the airport. Concerns included potential risks to both aircraft and pedestrians nearby. The FAA conducted a public comment inquiry to assess potential backlash since the proposal violated preestablished height ordinances, building codes and best practices near runways. Due to the lack of previous incidents, the FAA ultimately approved the parlor's construction.
However, this was not without controversy. The Director of Airports, on behalf of Sacramento County, objected to the construction due to height and landing slope concerns (NTSB, 1973).
Today in EM, we often have the opportunity to reach out to the public, whether for educational and relationship-building purposes or even when it comes to obtaining feedback and commenting on proposed plans such as LHMPs and EOPs. Although much has improved since the 1970s, there is often still much to be desired. For instance:
Simplifying language so that everyone can understand what they are reading regardless of educational or professional background.
Expanding the time for review and comment so that it is more accessible to the public, who have competing obligations and priorities.
Informing and educating communities on why their feedback is essential.
Collaborating with CBOs to increase outreach towards target communities so that those who may otherwise be underrepresented are duly included in the process.
Removing barriers such as complicated websites or even a heavy reliance on social media platforms for information dissemination.
Memorial:
The marker is in Sacramento, California: 38° 31.279′ N, 121° 29.936′ W.
Additional Incident Resources:
Video of Incident – Memorial Video https://www.kcra.com/article/50-years-after-air-disaster-at-farrells-ice-cream-parlor-in-sacramento/41397026
Somber Event Recalls Farrell’s Jet-Crash Disaster: https://web.archive.org/web/20140112214954/http://www.sacbee.com/2002/04/01/4556786/after-30-years-a-farrells-healing.html
Fiery Crash 50 Years Ago Spurs Today’s World-Class Burn Care: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/fiery-crash-50-years-ago-spurs-todays-world-class-burn-care/2022/09
In Memorium:
Warren Krier, Mrs. Warren Krier, Jennifer Krier, Brandon Krier, Tony Martin, Mrs. Tony Martin, Greg Martin, Jeanne Martin, Sean Martin, Jeff Nash, Gary Nash, Louis Jugum, Elaine Jugum, Genne LaVine, Mrs. Genne LaVine, Leon Warram, Mrs. Leon Warram, Sally Keys, Nancy Keys, Nancy Rodriguez, Kristin Francis & Joan Bacci.
References:
NTSB. (1973). Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB-AAR-73-6). National Transportation Safety Board. https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR7306.pdf
Pierleoni, A. (2014, January 12). Somber Event Recalls Farrell’s Jet-Crash Disaster. The Sacramento Bee. https://web.archive.org/web/20140112211942/http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/24/4847905/somber-event-recalls-farrells.html
The Flint Journal. (1972, September 25). Plane Kills Partying Children. The Flint Journal. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1103849060
Weather Underground. (n.d.). Sacramento, CA Weather History. Weather Underground. https://www.wunderground.com/history/daily/us/ca/sacramento/KSAC/date/1972-9-24