Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989, November 30, 1960, Image 14

Historic Oregon Newspapers

Medford mail tribune., November 30, 1960, Image 14

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Newspaper Page Text. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, I960 MEDFORD MAIL TRIBUNE. MEDFORD. ORE. B 3 CD VICTIM OF AVIATION 'BUG' - An airliner of paradox, and one that caused two fatal accidents. Above, parts of the Lockheed Electra has been thoroughly tested, scrupu- an Electra that crashed Oct. 4, 1960, are laid out In the . lously designed, carefully built - yet it was the victim of original relationship to the plane for study, the most freakish "bug" in commercial aviation history (UPI Telcphoto) Electra Defect in Wing Compared To Wheel Vibration on Automobile By ROBERT J. STERLING (Second in a Series) Washington - IUP1I - What went wrong with the Lock heed Electra? Contrary to all rumors, re ports and statements,, it docs not' have a structurally de ficient wing. Its difficulties originated not in the wing, but rather the mounts hold ing the outboard engines in their nacelles. This was the weakness which touched off a deadly, freakish chain reaction cul minating in the destruction of . two Electras at Buffalo, Tex., and Tell City, Ind. In chronological order, this is what happened. 1. Under certain strains and stresses, such as a hard landing or severe turbulence, these mounts could be weak ened - and unquestionably were in both the Texas and Indiana accidents. Expoied to Vibrationi 2. Once weakened, the mounts were exposed to a potential source of trouble -the normal sound vibration created by the flexing of the wings, the spinning jet tur bines and the propellers them selves; wing vibration on all aircraft, it must be remem bered, is at a much lower rate than engine-prop vibra tion. 3. Each aircraft was travel ing more than 400 miles an , hnnr when it encountered tur- bulance; the combination of speed and gusty air "excited the already weakened engine mounts and the affected out board engine began to wobble In its nacelle. 4. The wobbling engine transmitted its uneven mo tion to the whirling propeller, ' destroying its delicate syn chronization; the effect was similar to what happens to a spinning gyroscopic top that begins to stagger as it slows down. 5. A vibration "coupling" then occurred - literally, the vibration of the engine and prop slowed down to the same vibration rate of the wing; the moment the two vibration rates touched the same level, a massive oscilla tion shook the entire wing structure like the plucking of a giant guitar string. Struc tural failure followed. Orders Speed Cut That is what happened at Tell City and Buffalo. That is why the Federal Aviation agency ordered all Electras to be flown at reduced. speeds, slowing the 400-mile-an-hour turbo-props down to the rela tive speed of a DC-6. That also is why the speed restric tions made even unmodified Electras safe - the vibration difficulty, known as the "whirl phenomenon," could occur only at high speed and for, that matter, only at a certain speed. It might be compared to an out-of-balance wheel on your own car. It will start shimmy ing only when you touch a certain speed and the shimmy dampens out when you ex ceed that speed. The FAA order, of course, makes it impossible for any Electra to come even close to the speed range'' at which the whirl phe nomenon can take place. The obvious 'question is how such a deadly bug could have slipped through the Electra's rigid test program. Here is how Lockheed board chairman Robert E. Gross an swers that one: ' "The conditions that caused the two accidents in Texas and Indiana were not dis closed in the thousands of tests to which the Electra was subjected," Gross says. "They were unpredictable within the then existing slate of the art. It is some consolation to realize that the state of the art hf.s advanced as the result of our finding." Quesada Resists Pressure Another question is why the plane wasn't grounded when it was obvious, after Tell City, that structural fail ure was involved. Some Civil Aeronautics board safety ex perts actually recommended grounding. The man who kept the Electra flying was Federal Aviation Administra tor Elwood R. Quesada, who resisted all grounding pres sure from both the CAB and congressmen. Neither Quesada nor any one else knew what was wrong at that point. But the FAA chief was sure that a combination of high speed and turbulence were at least contributing factors, and that the speed restrictions provid ed a safety margin. "He had the guts of a bur glar," one CAB official ad mits. "If another Electra had gone down, Pete might as well have been aboard it." To Quesada. however, it wasn't a real gamble. He was convinced of the plane's in herent soundness and felt a freak bug was responsible. He turned out to be right. Some of his congressional critics noted that Quesada was a former Lockheed vice president - the implication being that it was this business connection and not his belief in the Electra that prevented the grounding. The implica tion was not only unfair but false. Quesada had no reason to be. loyal to Lockheed; he left the company because of a major disagreement over policy. Next: The Electra "fix" and the plane's future. Court Records MUNICIPAL COURT Earl Patrick O'Hara, 64, former ly of White City, disorderly con duct, 30 days, suspended on condi tion he leave city lor veterans home in Portland. Robert William Gillespie. 1B32 North Riverside ave assault and battery, SI. suspended on grounds that assault "was more than like ly Justifiable." Lloyd Dean Rlckard. 22, of 1231 North Riverside ave.. driving while operator'! license suspended, I00. Frederick William Whitman, dis obeyed stop sign. $10. Barbara Jean House, disobeyed traffic signal, S3. Barbara Jean Marshall, follow ing too close. $25. David Champy McCollom. viola tion of basic rule, $10. Glenn Edward Nelson, disobeyed traffic signal, $10. John William Fisher, disobeyed traffic signal. $10. Margaret Cecilia Loffer, violnlion of basic rule, $10. Samuel Benjamin Lew, improper right turn. $10. James William Harrison, viola tion of basic rule. $25. Jens Ove Myhre, violation of basic rule, $25. Explore a "NEW HORIZON" in a BUSINESS OF YOUR OWN! kL - K 't -J H" ' - DREW PEARSON natiomtflv-known and hilcrnationallv famouB col umnist and conwnenUitor did. and was "gold." Upon interview, you will be given the chance to tee and hear this noted newsman closely examine this business opportunity which could place you on the profitable road to your NEW HORIZON! NO Franchise Fee . . . NO Inventory Investment ... NO Equipment To Buy . . . NO Experience Necessary! Your Income Tax Records, Inc., New York, N.Y.) $3500 REFUNDABLE ACTIVITY GUARANTEE REQUIRED, THK IS YOLR OPPORTUNITY TO EARN OYER $15,000 A YEAH. Call Mr. B. leifermann at SP 3-3671 in Medford Right Nowl Daniel Lee Coghill, violation of basic rule, $25. Robert Gerald Zundcl, violation of basic rule, $10. Milton Francis De Marco, viola tion of basic rule, $10. Frank Excvlor Samson, disobey ed traffic signal, $10. Phyllis La lib Andrews, improper right turn, $10. Elmer Floyd Magle, excessive noise, $10. James Philllos. disobeyed stoo sign, $10 josepn L,eacn ncnancKson, dis obeyed stop sign, $10. Emma Hanby, improper left turn, $10. Richard Theodore ChildrcBS, no operator's license, $5. William Donovan DUlrce, viola tion of basic rule, $25. George Merle Deetj, no Oregon operator's license, $5, Milton Dean Smith, violation of basic rule. $10. Larry Donald Little, violation of basic rule. $10. Mclinda Grace Lake, violation of baste rule, $10. Raymond Winter Fernlund, dis obeyed stoo sign, $10. Everett Holland Christian, fail ure to yield right of way, accident, $15. James Douglas Bailey, operating a vehicle on a learner's permit without a licensed driver in car, $5; dinoheyed traffic signal, $10. Bernard Dell Hughes, disobeyed traffic signal, $10: no operator's license in possession, $5. Jimmy Leith Quinn, violation of basic rule, $10. . John Michael Bauer, Inadequate muffler, $10. Darrcll Charles Wilson, violation of basic rule. $10. Wanda Jean Head, no operator's license, $5. Patricia Anne Jacobs, disobeyed stop sign, $10. Grelchcn Zona Call, improper left turn $10. Frederick William Whitman, ex pired licenxe plates, $5; no opera tor's license, $5. Curtis Lee Graham, disobeyed traffic signal, $10. Albert Matlock Watson, viola tion of basic rule, $25. Lorctta Jeanne Rose, violation of basic rule, $12.50. Reginald Randolph Sampson, disobeyed traffic signal, $10. Jerry Lewis Gadden, no opera tor license, $5. Frank Charles McDowell, four In front seat, $10. Jake Albert Toews, violation of basic rule, $10; no operator's li cense, $5. Frederick William Whitman, no operator's license, $5. Local Architects Named for School The architectural firm of Payne and Struble, 1005 East Main St., has been selected to design a new junior high school for Sutherlin, the ar chitects announced today. Junior high schools in Ash land and Salem and additions to Jewett school and the Cen tral Junior High school were recently designed by the firm. Other work In progress includes the Phoenix branch, First National Bank of Ore gon, an addition to the Med ford office of the state em ployment service, wing three of The Mall, and the Haw thorne Garden apartments to be located near the Medford Shopping center. Duluth - More than 50 mil lion tons of bituminous coal were moved over the Great Uci in ace shipping season. -1 i - - V " I 1 I960 gift sensation. This item will be in demand. Modernistic Swedish style crystal glass. Large 4 quart bowl for chips. Matching 5 'A" bowl with brass holder, for dip. ' KIDDIE KAR "OUTS TOASTER I I ..,,' '-25 v'"' Amer- Rcr. J19.95. Com- I ncg. n. inng iCJn made Winn. I Reg. S5.95. A long time favorite. Seat height 9". A 7T Special H. value. Amer ican made wirine. Lights operate indi vidually, n w Limit. Spec...' ' PROCTOR TOASTER Reg. 119.95. Com pletely automatic. 5 yr. guarantee. Crumb Special..w. 11.77 I PORTABLE MIXER ' I J IS. 00 value. 3 ipeed switch. Push button I beater ejec- Q 77 tor. Special.. 'l I SPRAY AND STEAM IRON Reg.$22.95.No mor pre - dampening. At- tractive gold tone. SL .16.77 BAR MASTER S PIECE SET Reg. SJ.9B. Power cork puller, spoon, strainer, jigger, reci pe glass. n 07 Specisl THERMOS OUTING KIT I Terrific bargain. Tan " case with zipper. sandwich box, quart bottle. A JJ Special CHRISTMAS TREE STAND I Reg. 11.19. Large I 1IJ I CANDY THERMOMETER Reg. 11.19. Large cup holds water. For trees up to 77 I 3". Special ' . .1.111.1,1 . . I !! .11 -.M0 ' I I 1 Reg. 89c. For candy, ici french fried food. Special. BIG 26" CARRIAGE Outstandine value. 1. 89C. for candy. J6 x ,j nuiited ng, jellies and I body. Rocking ac- 57c I T-7.77 .1 16" DELUXE TRICYCLE Reg. $20.00'. Chrome trim, platform step plate. Large rubber Id 77 Specilt 1 4" I SOLDERING GUN Reg. S7.95. Built-in spot light. Long nose tip. Fast beating. special... 3 ROLLS GIFT WRAP beating. .5.77 I Reg. 98c Each roll 20" wide, 10 feet long. 3. rolls 47c MIXING BOWL Reg. $3.00. Stainless steel. 4 quart. For lopultr mixers. 1.87 !Pi 1 popi CAL-DAK , T-V TRAYS Reg. 119.95. Kind size tray. Brisi legs. 4 triyi with ft ry . We Give S&H GREEN STAMPS ccoYy InTAM P9 225 West Main i 11 Phone SP 2-2939 UTAMPIlJ r Gifts for Mother Sale Price Flint Cook & Serve Set 12.95 Grill and Waffler 17.77 Electric Can Opener 14,77 Immorsible Pere 10.77 Elec. Mixer 9.77 Floor Polisher 29.95 Osterizer Blender 19.77 8 Tumbler Set 1.97 Casserole & Warmer 2.67 Knife Sharpener Elec 9.77 Laiy Susan 4.77 Well & Tree Platter. 1.97 Candle Warmer 87 Candle Holders 77 Chrome Butter Dish 2.77 Cheeiecracker Server 3.97 Pinking Shear 3.87 Muiieal Tea Pot 2.97 Apple Cookie Jar 2.97 Gifts for Dad Ant. Pocket Knives 67 Golf Balls 2 for 97c Maqnet Flashlight ,1.97 Pocket Warmer 1.27 Fishing De Liar 1.67 Diagonal Pliers .77 Long Nose Pliers 77 Adj. Wrench 77 Comb. Wrench 77 3 pe. Chisel Set .77 Magnet. Screwdriver set 77 Interchangeable Screwdrivers .77 Open End Wrench Set 77 Wire Strippers ,. .77 Hacksaw .' 77 Spin Fish Outfit 7.77 Home Town Sander ...16.77 Wen Soldering Gun 5.77 Jig Saw w9 blades 21.77 BJack & Decker Drill Kit ......18.77 7" Power Saw ...:.......;............32.77 Gifts for Children Union Roller Skates 4.77 Daisy Repeater Revolver 7.95 Daisy Ricochet Rifle 9.95 Radio Super Wagon .............. 6.77 Boy's 26" Bicycle 34.88 Girl's 26" Bicycle ...34.88 American FJyer Train Set ......12.77 Fast Draw Timer 3.67 Big Tool Set 2.97 Structtf Steam Shovel 2.67 Dirt Mover 2.67 Road Grader 2.67 Timber Toter ....2.67 Cowboy Play Boots 2.47 Erector Set Motorized 5.77 Rifle 2.47 Dart Gun 2.57 Rocket Launcher 2.77 Elec. Race Track Set 7.17 Mln. Sports Car Models .77 Holster Set 3.77 Walking Doll ... 6.97 Ping Pong 2.97 T-V (Sit-On) Dog 3.17 Woodburning Set 3.67 Telescope '. 2.97 Squeez-um Toys .77 Phonoqraph 7.77 Paint by Number .77 Wonder Horse 8.57 Blackboard Desk 3.97 Play Ironbord, Iron, Pad ...... 3.77 Tetherball 8.27 Tea Set ....... 1.57 For Home Stainless Steel Pie Pan .......... .97 Electric Blanket 15.77 Indoor Christmas .................. 1.97 Salad Mold .98 Christmas Cookie Cutters .... .77 Frosty Snow .' .77 Gold Candle '. 1,27 Batter Bowl 37 Alum. Cookie Sheet .97 Gold Spray 97 Silver Spray 97 Cotton Batten '. .17 Icicles ; 17 Snow .17 6' Extension Cord .27 White Lux Timer 4.77 Barbecue Set 6.77 24 pc. Flatware 7.87 Cuckoo Clock . 9.77