Three Known Dead, One Missing

A T-39N Sabreliner went down near Ellijay, Ga., at approximately 1600, April 12th. There were four personnel aboard the aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing Six based out of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

Rescue crews have recovered three bodies from the crash. The status of the fourth crew member is as yet unknown. The aircraft was conducting a routine cross-country training mission. An investigation board has convened to investigate the cause of the mishap. Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The T-39 Sabreliner is a multipurpose low-wing, twin-jet aircraft. The 15 T-39Ns — derivatives of the commercial Sabre model 265-40 — are used for training undergraduate military flight officer students in radar navigation and airborne radar-intercept procedures. These aircraft replaced Cessna T-47As during the early 1990s. The eight T-39Gs — derivatives of the commercial Sabre model 265-60 — are used for student non-radar training. These aircraft began replacing Air Force T-1A Jayhawks in Navy training squadrons in mid-1999. It's primary mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps flight officers.

Navy T-39N Specs

Primary Function: Training platform for Navy/Marine Corps flight officers.
Contractor: North American Rockwell.
Propulsion: two Pratt & Whitney J-60-P-3 at 3,000 pounds thrust each.
Length: 44 feet (13.41 meters).
Height: 16 feet (4.88 meters).
Wingspan: 44 feet 6 inches (13.56 meters).
Weight: maximum takeoff, 18,650 pounds (8,460 kg).
Airspeed: 434 knots (499.44 miles per hour; 803.77 km per hour).
Ceiling: 42,000 feet (12,802 meters).
Range: 1,476 nautical miles (1,699 statute miles; 2,734 km).
Crew: Two (7 passengers).
Armament: None.

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/cnatra