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Narrative: McDonnell Douglas F-4H-1F Phantom II Bu No 146316 (17th Production F-4), NWEF (Naval Weapons Experimental Flight), US Navy: Broke up in flight and exploded in a crash over White Sands Missile Range on 18 May 1961 during project "Sageburner" (a low altitude speed record attempt) due to pilot-induced oscillations caused by pitch damper failure. The uncontrolled oscillations became so severe that the Phantom’s airframe was subjected to 12 gs, causing it to break apart in flight. Both engines were torn from the airframe and the airplane’s fuel exploded.
Both crew killed: Pilot, Commander Jack Lee Felsman, killed: B/N Ens. Raymond Maxwell Hite Jr, killed : This was the first fatal Phantom II accident.