Cable snaps on USS Eisenhower during landing

Eight sailors were injured aboard the USS Eisenhower when an arresting cable snapped during an E-2C Hawkeye's landing in March 2016. Read all about the incident: bit.ly/29xaUdZ

[@sh1kyo]

that fall then reappearance was something straight out of a movie

[@RefreshPlz]

its actually a conspiracy, the planes were swapped

[@juanf1127]

ikr

[@samq42]

It looks like a 1940s or 1950s newsreel.

[@daniel-j-ross]

+SamQ I was actually really confused because I thought it was some video from that time that was just now uploaded and it somehow got on Trending lol

[@Stunlokked]

reminds me of goldeneye 007

[@parrotraiser6541]

And that, children, is why you go to full throttle after engaging the cabele; just in case.

[@SoloPilot6]

It takes 8 seconds to go from idle to producing power. The went 8 seconds from cable snag to back in view after running over the edge. That means they DID apply power when they hit the deck.

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

Was just going to post the exact same thing.

[@AirstripBum]

I just mentioned that to my wife.

[@JustaPilot1]

@@SoloPilot6 That is normal operational procedure. At every trap, every Aviator goes to 100% power in case of a missed pennant or in this case a failed pennant. The amazing part of this trap is they had just enough energy left after the trap to climb out at 100% power. A little less energy and they would have been in the water.

[@Bit01]

@@JustaPilot1 It looks like they yanked the gear back up too. They had to have nearly touched the water.

[@RoninTXBR549]

Kudos to the pilot. Never stopped flying the plane.

[@BratislavMetulski]

thats carrier routine. always hands on throttle and stick until you come to a full stop.

[@AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-y5f]

Full power until you stop

[@raiderfandew]

Is there any doubt that US Navy pilots are the best trained in the military? I say that with prejudice.... USS Ticonderoga CVA-14 , 1966-68.

[@just1ofgod]

I bet you he went to condition brown but he never stopped flying the plane.

[@OfficialUSKRprogram]

I'm pretty sure the C-2 (and therefore the E-2) doesn't have an ejection seat.

[@thefrosty1925]

how they managed to bring the plane back up again with the enormous weight of their iron balls I will never know

[@limpport]

The clenched butthole after the cable snaps makes you more aerodynamic.

[@gateway8833]

+limpport Now that's funny.

[@ericgarcia1520]

There so post to leave the engine in case things like that happen

[@gbsailing9436]

+Eric Garcia it's 'they're supposed ' as in ' they are supposed ' not... ' there so post'

[@enzorum2560]

They had a fast approach

[@Serenity17]

That's ground effects for you, amazing recovery

[@anthonybustamante1835]

Hey serenity, fancy seeing you here! I hope you’re doing well man.

[@charliefyb]

Never ever I would’ve thought of finding serenity here 😳

[@dt7843]

Serenity17 non « ground effets here

[@chap_.]

Please post!

[@LyonPercival]

WOAH WHY ARE YOU HERE?! HAHAHAHA

[@sabyegrp]

I was on the bridge of my old Essex class carrrier many years ago when an A-4 Skyhawk had a failed cat half way down the deck. He pretty much dribbled off the bow and disappeared. We were doing about 24 Knots into the wind. Our Captain was standing up in his chair trying to rip off the arm rests, saying come on you bast..... It must have worked, because just like in this video, that little A-4 reappeared out beyond the bow, and headed for the clouds. Go Navy.

[@blankpr267]

dude that's honestly so cool

[@plantfeeder6677]

Those Skyhawks had incredible power to weight. If it was fully loaded though, that was aviator legend

[@filster1934]

@@plantfeeder6677, Skyhawk is my favorite jet. “Hienemann’s Hot Rod” was the best value for our money.

[@oceanhome2023]

@@plantfeeder6677 Skyhawks were famous in the Malvinas war (OK Falklands)

[@bernieweber4663]

He stepped on the gas peddle and gave it some Go Juice.

[@JerryWatkinsMrRobot]

I bet a few flight suits were ruined that day.

[@burnerjack01]

Imagine landing on the carrier at night! I don't what these guys get paid but its probably not enough!

[@SirIsaacNewtonOfficial]

+john hanrahan lmfao imagine having to a) be the next plane to land after repairs or b) having to be THAT plane going in for the next landing after repairs lol

[@jamesbrewer8554]

I'm so sure you won that bet!

[@petert3355]

See this right here is why carrier pilots all wear BROWN underwear.

[@philmontejano5971]

Nah, Naval Aviators are the best of the best. Trapping aboard at night and in weather you have to be

[@wolfcattube]

That was a very long 4 seconds the plane is out of sight.

[@Pylon5Productions]

I can't imagine how long it must've felt if you were on the flight deck...

[@Qodesh00]

Dude, when it came back into sight. I literally threw both hands up in the air. Whoever's piloting that (spy?) plane is a beast.

[@Qodesh00]

Chris Peat Well I was close! Thanks for the info buddy.

[@ChrisP286]

+Qodesh00 no problem!

[@adventureicecream]

Just imagine what the guys in the back seats were thinking when they had to look up to see the aircraft carriers deck.

[@billsanders5067]

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give that trap a pucker factor of about a 9.7

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

At least 9.799995...!!!!😂😲

[@johnmccnj]

They'll be prying the pilot out of the seat with a crowbar. And it'll take surgery for them to get their seat cover back.

[@lftdblazer]

Easy 10/10 lol

[@iblockpuncheswithmyface1490]

11

[@mytmousemalibu]

Im betting the crew took a big mouthful of seat cushion on that one!

[@taccat361]

Absolute full respect for pilot skills. He hold the aircraft low altitude to increase airspeed before he try to climb.

[@tomstocken2754]

TaccaT or he lost momentum

[@GordonWaiteJr]

Please say that English is your second or third language.

[@hertzair1186]

TaccaT : ground effect over the water also helped

[@taccat361]

@@GordonWaiteJr yes, it is not my native language. Now, it's your turn, can you write something with sense in German, without using "Lederhosen" or another typical prejudices?

[@GordonWaiteJr]

TaccaT No, I can’t speak or write in another language. You have my respect for being multi lingual. I just was hoping you were bi/tri-lingual. I am glad that it was not the writing of an under educated American.

[@mclovin7326]

legend says he is still flying

[@Rauly84]

your comment, way LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL !!!!

[@siecheil]

Mclovin is one word!

[@NNeytron]

Abu Hadjar is rolling on that plane!

[@ArcadeTimeTV]

Is Ryan Haywood flying that plane?

[@jimmyurine1564]

+Jake Wolfe I get it

[@Rascal356000]

That pilot must have been needing a clean pair of pants.

[@pascalcoole2725]

Nope, these are NAVY pilots, they are very well trained for this kind of stuff.

[@Rascal356000]

@@pascalcoole2725 for sure. I used to be in the navy.

[@XXelpollodiabloXX]

I was going to say that if it was me they'd have to replace the seat first. But if these Navy guys are crazy enough to land on a moving runway, then ditching an aircraft probably makes them yawn.

[@davidmcmanus9022]

I thought he was going in the drink for sure.

[@Rascal356000]

@@davidmcmanus9022 that's right. It was that second or two of not seeing the plane that I thought oh no its in the water. What nerves he had👍

[@Wonkabar007]

The captain should get the pilot a case of beer for that one 🍻

[@billjenkins687]

I am sure that got taken care of right away.

[@akulasiron8714]

They awarded them with a medal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2GcZGhvr6-nkMk

[@andrewberg9611]

Those wire are insanely thick and heavy, Crew had nothing to do with it snapping.

[@scottskinner577]

....and a clean pair of pants

[@tomkovar3586]

JUST ONE CASE.

[@bcask61]

And that is why they go to max power when they snag the cable.

[@billashbrook3014]

They are at full throttle when the wheels touch the deck always

[@DanielBrown-sn9op]

Exactly

[@davelambardo6464]

Really? That's bad ass!

[@zeelyweely1590]

@@davelambardo6464 Yeah, it allows them to gain speed and climb again if they miss the cables and the cables will hold their planes if they don't.

[@jayss10]

Yeah they go full power that that isn't really the reason. They go full power in the event they bolter (miss all the wires with the tail hook). The breaking of an arresting wire isn't something they can control how it's going to break or when in the landing sequence. 99.999% of the time if a wire breaks the aircraft is going in the drink. Yeah the guy was skilled (anybody that can land on a moving runway is pretty good) but luck played into it just as much.

[@LTCDRRAZOR]

Link to original article is bad, so here is what happened, for all of those who want to know. “At the time the Ike was conducting workups prior to their 2016 Mediterranean Deployment off the Virginia coast. Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO THREE (VAW-123) Screwtops was one of the squadrons making up Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3). CVW-3 was preparing for their first deployment aboard Ike in quite a while. The carrier had completed an extensive overhaul and returned to sea during September of 2015. At 1352, a VAW-123 Hawkeye, side number 602 piloted by Lieutenant Matthew “Noodle” Halliwell with Lieutenant Commander Kellen Smith in the right seat and NFO Lieutenant Commander Thomas Browning also aboard, entered the break and prepared to trap aboard the Ike. “Noodle” called the ball and got lined up. The approach wasn’t exactly textbook, with the Hummer settling a bit in close, but the aircraft’s tailhook still caught the number 4 cross-deck pendant. During the runout of the arresting cable something that hadn’t happened aboard a US Navy aircraft carrier since 2005 did- the arresting cable parted. As snapped arresting cables are wont to do, the 1.5 inch wide cable whipped around the deck injuring several crew members working on the roof. By all appearances the Hawkeye was done for. Those who have seen similar footage of or witnessed aircraft dribbling off the forward end of the angle after a hook failure or partial arrestment surely expected a large splash to appear marking the watery demise of the Hummer. During a deep settle to an estimated altitude of ten to 15 feet above the waves the aircraft dropped completely out of sight for almost four seconds. Inside the Hummer training kicked in; they sucked up the gear and blew the ditching hatches; everything in the cockpit was firewalled and the controls were fervently set for climb. Miraculously the aircraft responded and climbed back into the frame in one dry piece. LT Halliwell didn’t take a chance on a recovering aboard with a potentially damaged hook though. He recovered instead at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field, the East coast home of the VAW community. Back on the deck of the Eisenhower, the carnage was incredible. Injuries suffered by two of the deck crew and six VAW-123 maintainers ranged from cuts and bruises to broken arms, legs, ankles, and dislocated hips and more, some of which took more than a year to heal. At least one man’s life was saved by his “cranial”, the helmet every deck crewman wears while working on the roof. Six men were evacuated and treated ashore. A VRC-40 Rawhides C-2A (R) Greyhound and a HSC-7 Dusty Dogs MH-60R Knighthawk were damaged by the cable. Two days later the Ike was conducting flight ops again. The three men aboard the Hawkeye received the Armed Forces Air Medal. An investigation revealed that the arresting gear for the number 4 cross deck pendant had been improperly serviced earlier in the day. The mishap aboard the Eisenhower was the first of its kind since 2005, when the #3 arresting cable on the carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) snapped causing the loss of a VFA-102 Diamondbacks F/A-18F Super Hornet and injuries to six of the Hawk’s deck crew. The crew of the F/A-18F was recovered.”

[@siecheil]

Holy shit what a recovery. Great job by that pilot

[@winston2015]

Actually, that this could happen is anticipated with every landing,, which is why they give the plane max throttle as theyre landing on a carrier, just in case of a snap or amiss of a the cable./

[@Trucker494]

Cool! I learned something new today.

[@Oreo41212]

Lol I was about to say that

[@SceneArtisan]

When Ian Fleming was writing his James Bond books, I wonder if Fleming read about this epic save and it immediately made him think of something his character would be do? Hm,. interesting. :)

[@bradleyharbin2488]

+winston smith They do the exact same thing with the airliners when landing, only without the hook and cables

[@brianxbang]

Thank God someone from 1942 traveled through time to film this.

[@NiHi557]

wait they had F-18s in 1942? Then why the heck did the American's even have trouble in the pacific war before midway? .-.

[@elliottg4984]

The F18 Hornets really made a difference at Guadalcanal!

[@dariuso2657]

That's actually the new P51 they made after Jesus came back to earth in 1944

[@cjdontthink2]

Haha I was just going to ask why their cameras are so primitive

[@brianxbang]

I guess you missed the joke. Someone from 1942 came through time to 2016 with their camera to film this for us. Why do I have to explain this?

[@videodrone101]

Everyone on that deck and in the conning tower were holding their breath for a few seconds.

[@regancopple4085]

Especially the Air Boss, he was hoping he wouldn't have to fill out a shitload of paperwork for the incident, i.e. loss of an aircraft.

[@BigislandEJ]

"Deck ,we need clean underwear delivered to pilot upon arrival asap"

[@salamniqola7481]

😆

[@burnerjack01]

Capt. of the Boat says "When you men are done changing your underwear, beers are on me!".

[@donlove3654]

these are naval aviators.. didn't shit their skivvies, they are pros... as evidence of the aircraft climbing away..

[@zedzedski7382]

terry waller so, no Rum? Why is Rum gone, Captain?

[@zedzedski7382]

+terry waller you didn't get the joke, mate. :-)

[@youtubasoarus]

Many new pairs of underwear were handed out that day. O_O

[@MaksimSF]

they don't wear underwear - balls don't fit...

[@marcusallen6123]

W

[@gnashtyThought]

*g-strings

[@TommiHonkonen]

That is not good enough reason to get new pair of underwear.

[@GamerofGamesGG]

Iol

[@caesiumzombie]

5 seconds of "damn that water is getting close"

[@txgunguy2766]

It looked like the belly was wet when it came back up.

[@ladiesman1ate7]

Dude, how did he save that? Unbelievable.

[@dineshloitongbam7734]

In cable arrested landing, pilots are trained to go full thrust after touchdown in case the arrestor cable didn't work.

[@willietheboggle3954]

I’ll bet I went something like this: OH SHIT THE FUCKING CABLE BROKE.... proceeds to FULL Throttle.

[@stanpotter7764]

@@willietheboggle3954 Power would have been applied before the cable broke. They are trained that for just this reason.

[@mikecooper8462]

Full throttle at touch down - always.

[@charlescanton4740]

Pitch angle, ground effect, and balls of steel.

[@TychoHD]

That's like a movie. You think they fell and crashed in the water and a moment later there they are. Alive. Flying into the horizon.

[@PuReLiMiTsGaming]

Haha precisely!

[@duk_]

It's because pilots on aircraft carriers are taught to go full throttle as soon as they touch the tarmac in case this happens.

[@The5thelemnt]

I expected tragedy but then...It was a feel good end The Oscar goes to...

[@19541973j]

The Oscar goes to the Pilot.

[@brucewayne795]

I KNOW! XD

[@kubilayceliker723]

I believe the pilot got a medal for the save. As he should.

[@stargazer7644]

For doing his job and following procedure?

[@stargazer7644]

@@FlounderVFW Procedure is to go full thrust when you have a problem so that in the case of a miss or a broken wire you can take off again. Doing his job is flying the plane, which is done until the plane reaches the scene of the accident. I'm not sure what other options you think an E2 pilot had in this situation. He flies the plane until it doesn't fly any more. Going in the drink off the bow in an E2 is likely to kill some or all of the occupants. It doesn't have ejection capability.

[@squidusn71]

@@stargazer7644 It's a common theme in the Navy. You do your job, you get a medal. It all depends on your character and the reason for the award.

[@imune2mageRS]

@@stargazer7644 if you had a military background you’d know that medals are awarded for doing your job. meritorious medals are awarded for doing your job. purple hearts are awarded for doing your job. what the heck kind of standards do you have in mind for receiving a medal? either way you put it. it’s all by doing your job.

[@stargazer7644]

@@imune2mageRS I guess I kind of figured medals were given for going above and beyond the call of duty, risking your life when you didn't have to, exemplary performance, outstanding bravery, etc. I certainly didn't expect that simply doing your job correctly was so unusual in the military that they gave medals for it or that they were handed out like participation trophies. Thanks for letting me know. Live and learn.

[@bacchusignoramus]

Holy mother fucking crazyyyy... Good shit pilot.. Respect!

[@winston2015]

That why they, (pilots landing on an aircraft carrier) give it full throttle when landing.. just in case they need to take off again.

[@marcusarelius]

+winston smith looked like he was smashing the breaks the entire time, not the throttle.

[@thomasmcewen5493]

+Mark Smith No.

[@compulsive_curiosity]

You don't brake on an aircraft carrier, that is why there are arresting cables. You go full throttle when you hit the deck so that if you miss the cable you are able to recover instead of just dropping off the end into the ocean.

[@AstroFazersPlaylist]

Maybe this cable snaps because he was going full throttle when hit the deck?

[@sananto6896]

When the plane landed safely, the wheels were probably wet.

[@JonatasAdoM]

Greased full of oil

[@tech10171968]

The pilot's trousers were certainly wet...

[@julian5857]

@@tech10171968 and full of shit

[@phildur]

No, after an approach pattern, they had enough time to dry. The pilots pants did not.

[@almostfm]

And that, kids, is why the other branches have "pilots" and the Navy has "aviators"

[@P-B-G_YT]

When other pilots take off, they usually know where their landing field is going to be. When Naval Aviators take off, they have go out somewhere unknown, then be able to find their way back to somewhere they've never been.

[@michaelhill2844]

@garin fl You can "confirm that you believe" it? I can confirm that you believe it too. :)

[@nealrose8653]

Beat me to it

[@Connection-Lost]

You seem pretty bitter that you were too tall for the airforce. Navy = ships. I don't care what you say, you're sailors.

[@almostfm]

@@Connection-Lost OK-who the hell are you replying to?

[@tjtownsend1801]

Those cables aint a fucking joke. My grand father used to tell me about horror stories about patients he would receive on the ship who got their legs/arms lopped off because the cable snapped and sliced through mad dudes...

[@Hennet10001]

Shit same here! My grandad was in the navy during the korean war and would tell us stories of it.

[@jamescopenhaver720]

My dad served on an aircraft carrier where someone nearly died because of it.

[@sovereignm3rcy483]

I just read the article about this it say 8 sailors were injured and one is still in the hospital. :(

[@BiggBrotha]

I never knew my grandaddy 😭😭😭😭

[@DomingoC_]

+BiggBrotha same 😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@-.._.-_...-_.._-..__..._.-.-.-]

Gotta love that delay before the aircraft raised back into view. It was like a scene from a movie. We were left to believe all was lost. You could hear a pin drop. There was no hope in sight. Then the plane suddenly roars back into view as heroic music begins to play. A transmission comes in over the radio - "This is Ecco-Two-Charlie, still flying free. Swinging back around. Over." The ship erupts in cheers. The father-figure skipper picks up the radio, chuckles with a sigh of relief and replies, "Roger, Ecco-Two-Charlie. Great job. Bring her on in." The heroic music increases in volume. The plane makes a smooth landing. The ship crew immediately surrounds the plane and hoists the pilots onto their shoulders. Both pilots have joyfully expressions as they look into each other's eyes. The frame freezes, fades to black and the credits roll.

[@MrAlejandro595]

ok then......you like movies

[@dragthatsht]

+MrAlejandro595 I like turtles!

[@Fatalis89]

+Edward Hill pretty sure this incident was actually found to be a maintenance issue with people skirting inspections on the cable.

[@71Merc]

I was hoping for a token black guy to say something streetwise too.

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

^^this

[@russfazekas7802]

The lives of our service members are always at risk, even in the routine! Thank you and Respect to all Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard!!!

[@SinginHigh]

So True and well said!!

[@KatariaGujjar]

The biggest threat comes from Washington

[@donarthiazi2443]

@@KatariaGujjar Exactly... now they're not just putting cooks in the cockpit but just last week it was announced one would actually be *commanding a Nimitz class carrier!!!* Unbelievable, political correctness is weakening our armed forces!

[@laggedoff]

much of that cockpit is unsalvageable from all the biohazardous waste that was expelled.

[@g4bone]

lol

[@Rage4411]

what?

[@laggedoff]

JACKX360 he voided himself of every bodily fluid known to human kind. therefor the cockpit is unsalvageable because of the biohazardous waste.

[@kinocchio]

+Lockerd nice one

[@darklordojeda]

Damn swore it hit the water, just gives a real idea of how high the carrier deck is.

[@egreenie3819]

Thats what I was thinkin. Bet the wheels got a dip.

[@MGRMoviesLOL]

probably dipped their toes in some cool water

[@darklordojeda]

Lazerbrainz2k3 lol no shit...pun intended.

[@testfortester7131]

Stephen H. Tman toga

[@epistte]

I kept looking for a splash of water and then I saw the radome rising again.

[@ericplaysbass]

The aircrew was immediately on the radio ordering new flight suits.

[@lairdcummings9092]

They were much too busy to crap themselves. "Bolter" uses everything you've got. No time for fear... That comes later, during the debrief.

[@gregorysantana4247]

LOL

[@hughesclark9253]

*insert triumphant music as the plane reappears after the accident*

[@LEO1WOLF]

I agree, how 'bout the OLD school Superman theme? (T.V. show)

[@JohnGreene2041]

The video show it to have been 2 seconds but it sure feels like a WHOLE LOT more

[@jcynavarro]

from the point the plane touched the run way, to the plane taking off again after it fell .. I bet it felt like an eternity.

[@johnherbold6539]

If it was a jet it would have probably crashed but propeller driven planes accelerate and decelerate faster

[@Hobbes09R]

+Kfc and Watermelon No, jets would be fine. It's standard procedure for aircraft to max thrust as they hit the deck on a carrier in case they miss the wire or, worse, this exact thing happens. It's the reason why these Screwtops survived.

[@DewClarke]

Some say they never did land...

[@andyblarblar279]

hey poodlecorp

[@LIKWID]

+Bunnyshooter 223 it wasn't a touch n go if the cable snaps though lol well not by the book anyway haha. Pilots go to full power when they catch the cable should something like this happen they then have the power to take off again

[@usptact]

yes, they got mad at Eisenhauer and went away... who knows where.

[@landonshelpman4970]

I disagree, touch and goes are not allowed by the US nave/Air force on carriers, also, the cable was attached onto the plane, the plane had it's hook down, one more thing, why did everyone go running to see if the plane was ok if it was just a scheduled touch and go???

[@JustaPilot1]

1. The Air Force NEVER flies off and on US carriers2. "touch and goes" are in fact allowed on a carrier.3. Been there, dome that.

[@genxmurse7019]

Holy Fruit Of the Looms! He saved that Plane, but not his shorts.

[@mouthbreather280]

You think they reimbursed him by sending a couple free pairs as a thank you for your service?

[@DrClawizdead]

They come in so fast for this exact reason. If something happens they can just keep on going.

[@roberthodge7171]

Uhm no that's not the reason nor was that aircraft going fast, it may look fast on the tape but you are in fact wrong. The aircraft was going at a speed that would suit a normal landing, in most cases that is around 200 knots (don't quote me on that.). There is however a separate precaution which involves the pilot accelerating to max acceleration on touch down, or on contact with the wire, that is how this lucky pilot made it out of there.

[@fastdak25]

they're doing about a buck 60 i believe when they touch down, then immediately go full throttle

[@jamescopenhaver720]

+fastdak25 they go full throttle with the fighters and jet engines but not with the prop planes. They still maintain a high speed but something about the way the propellers are makes it different.

[@philmenzies910]

Pretty sure they come in fast so as to generate enough lift to remain in the air before they touch down...............

[@EVAUnit4A]

If you ever wondered why carrier pilots _increase_ thrust when they hit the deck for a landing, _that right there_ is your answer- if something goes wrong, you're maintaining airspeed and can still get back up if something goes wrong.

[@Liam40]

Not so much airspeed as your engines are already at full takeoff RPM and don't require precious seconds for spooling up.

[@komradkratz]

There's also the benefit of the constant 35 knot headwind.

[@slickstrings]

there is a vid of an f18 going into the drink for exactly that reason, but you cant design a solution for every eventuality. The engineers dont make allowances in the design for those problems. They do their best to stop it happening and design procedures to try and mitigate risk when it does happen.

[@hdaviator9181]

It also helps that the hawkeye has a relatively small rotation speed. If this had been a fighter, the pilot would have ejected no question.

[@austinallen3776]

Actually they do that in case they miss the cables entirely.

[@flowerlight]

Love the relief you can see from those who ran towards & saw the plane re-emerge ! Anyone else replaying n’ watching a different person each time ? ^_^

[@EricLian]

I thought I was the one one who did stuff like that. 😆

[@davidmcc359]

I know they go full power for such an eventuality, but hey, that was a big heavy bugger, had been slowed enough for it to end up in the drink, so fair play to the pilot, for thankfully, only his seat was wet after this event..

[@jerrynewberry2823]

According to where the cable snapped the pilot could have still had that cable st the end of the flight deck.. remember you can't unhook.

[@ttobyg]

Top of video, someone is spamming F to pay respect already

[@boatman63719]

I don't understand?

[@ttobyg]

0:28

[@spyglass123]

i hate your thumbnail :(

[@RetroAmateur1989]

oh god lol!

[@10crlos]

F

[@maxrpm2215]

Never underestimate the power of propellers / turboprop. If it was a jet engine more than likely would've ended in the drink.

[@scottfw7169]

Yep, those blades are pretty good at grabbing air _right now!_

[@Immajeanyus]

It's like a little kid that falls and gets up and runs away crying.

[@FuryDuck]

Nice seeing you here...nice Dancing Pedo video

[@Immajeanyus]

FURY DUCKS Lol thanks

[@jammo512]

I'm crying xD

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

fuck I flagged your comment by mistake lol

[@fs10inator]

Ground effect for the win.

[@CogentConsult]

This video shows the effects of excellent training and constant practice, resulting in survivability on the part of the pilots as well as deck crew. Pros, each and every one of them!

[@azonicrider32]

actually it shows luck.

[@chexlemeneux8790]

@@azonicrider32 You are clearly ignorant of what it takes to be a pilot. Not to mention a navy pilot.

[@darrenkastl8160]

Pilot.... Damn! Where's the closest island I'ma not going to try that again!

[@bushvo6112]

0:33 - 0:38 I'm back bitches

[@TurboBMRProjectLove]

i take my hat off for that pilot

[@michaelc-xvii-iv8603]

+TurboBMR I take my underwear off for that pilot

[@SceneArtisan]

Don't ask him for his - his are probably messier lol.

[@colddeadhands7202]

E2C Hawkeye nice recovery ! I used to help launch them from a aircraft carrier.

[@fcan222]

That pilot just save the taxpayers $200 million dollars. 😅😅😅

[@Repented008]

He's Republican?

[@duanscott2490]

Saved $200 million, but cost several pairs of shorts. Glad they were OK. Hope all deck crew were also OK. Those cables can easily kill.

[@darklordojeda]

I hope to hell an E-2 doesnt cost $200 million.

[@2good2often]

Those AWACS airplanes are quite a bit less than 200 M. not that the crew cared in the slightest ! Those Pratt & Whitney engines might have been a bit stressed for 60 seconds or so till plane got established on positive rate of climb.. 50 yrs later the crew can sit around the table at the reunion and say with certainty .. Nobody here can top this story !

[@harryfox8028]

@@darklordojeda According to Wikipedia, unit cost was $176 million per aircraft in 2012. That is probably not the marginal cost to build each new E-2C, but the full program cost divided by number of aircraft in the program.

[@neromaniac]

Holy fuck balls that was close. Ships gotta be well over 100 ft tall for that much time between over the edge and pulling it up. Great job pilot you will be rewarded

[@MaksimSF]

Waterline: 134 ft (40.8 m)

[@fastdak25]

the flight deck is 90 feet up. But if you watch again you'll see the ship was also going up over a wave at the same time. The aircraft was floating just over the water (i believe it actually touched the water too) for a few seconds until enough lift was generated to get her back airborne

[@djsnoopmike]

not so much as a reward as a good job on following protocol. pilots go full throttle when they touchdown for this exact possibility

[@alanguinn4810]

I'm sure the pilot received the admiration of at least the air crew. Most importantly they all lived to fly another day, which is an outstanding reward for a job well done. On a lighter note, at least they had the ships laundry to take care of their undies.

[@thomasbarham2064]

My dad actually saw that happen while he was serving aboard the Eisenhower. Lucky no one died.

[@PathkeeperOfficial]

Your Dad? What was his rank/rate? I was on board as well and on the flight deck for this

[@waldothegreat100]

That’s why you are at full throttle when you hit the deck.

[@coolbear6441]

Virginia Spartan yup

[@mtsilvagt]

@Virginia Spartan that's common knowledge, Virj !

[@mtsilvagt]

@Virginia Spartan @haa ! Thanks for your service

[@davidfitzgerald3653]

I think i know alot about military and aviation and you just taught me something new. Makes sense.

[@ShlickMick]

Wouldn't going at full throttle just put more stress on the cable? I don't know much about aviation but wouldn't it be better to slow down a bit before catching the cable?

[@timgreen4137]

That's why Navy pilots go full military power as soon as they touch the wire.

[@decam5329]

Yea. Just because you are on the ship, doesn't mean you are going to stop there.

[@billashbrook3014]

They are at full power before catching the cable

[@randalldalton5475]

THAT was close. I bet his wheels got wet.

[@2Truth4Liberty]

And his britches :-0)

[@lunatic3783]

and his underwear

[@marvinuhilarious]

@@lunatic3783 They're gonna be wiping down those seats for days.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

And his pants ( UK spelling ) ☺

[@lachlanbird9688]

I manufactured thousands of individual parts for the U.S. Navy Hawkeye Aircraft programs C , & E -2D .. (2005 - 2014) each part was weighed and certified ...now I can see the fruit of that labor !

[@jamesthereaper7]

Best pull out I've seen since prom.

[@-bdl2696]

Needs the ending: ditch the cable, get satellite!

[@michaelmabrey6969]

I make the bearings that go in to the housing for the arresting cables. This bothers me greatly. The pilot did a great job.

[@robertrichard6107]

The cables can only be used a certain amount of times, if they lose track this can happen. They may have set the cable brake too low thinking the Hawkeye was going to go into negative pitch. Zero personnel should have been injured, bad flight deck training.

[@styldsteel1]

Thank you for what you do. This is exactly why the pilots come in at full speed.

[@dalewier9735]

I never knew why the planes take off and land "across" the deck, but now I know. I just realized that if this plane was unable to recover and was in the water that the ship would run over it if the runway was straight up and down the ship. Great video. Kudos to both The pilot and the ground crews. No one was hurt.

[@ThePaulv12]

@@dalewier9735 the angled flight deck was originally a British idea. Not that I'm British but it is so obvious one wonders why no country ever thought of it sooner. Anyways it was the jet age that really forced the issue.

[@jamesanderton344]

I’m amazed no one lost a leg when the cable parted.....I’ve seen it in industry and it can saw through metal when it whips...

[@Grizzly907LA]

Someones getting a new one ripped and the gear rats will be working around the clock to get that cable re-weaved and ready to go. There's reasons why the flight deck is the 3rd most dangerous place in the world and this is one of them! Glad no one gone cleaved in two or lost a leg.

[@MaxRideAE]

Nah man...I was on the Kitty-hawk and know the cables are extremely life-limited. The part where the airplane actually "hooks" is replaceable and the rest of the cable is replaced periodically. It's actually impressive when they throw the cables off the back of the ship when they reach their life limitation....lots of sparks and what-not as it speeds up faster and faster until the end finally whips over the side and into Davy Jone's locker....

[@ShaftersUploads]

+MaxRideAE damn

[@komradkratz]

They literally just throw old cables off the deck.

[@Grizzly907LA]

Mason Kratz True. You toss shit over the side with the exception of electronics, toxic waste and other dangerous substances like oil. Back in the day you used to be able to toss anything over the side the but the tree huggers went ape shit!

[@peeonpatodd420]

+Grizzly907LA yeah, fucking tree huggers! who needs a planet after we are gone, right?!?

[@theroller5673]

Disclaimer: No marine life or waterfowl were harmed in the making of this video.

[@c4lcul4tion]

what's the difference?

[@joetuktyyuktuk8635]

@@c4lcul4tion It's called humor, you should try and get a sense of humor...they are nice.

[@c4lcul4tion]

@@joetuktyyuktuk8635 it was a genuine question, thanks for being a dick

[@jkaposi]

I was planning on submitting an FOI request for this, but i very very rarely have any success. Thanks so much for uploading it. I'm still hoping to get last years launch ejection and the Growler inflight engagement crash from earlier this year.

[@MaksimSF]

you want too much info - I bet that footage got corrupted on the servers and is gone :)

[@chrishoesel]

Hillary deleted that video, sorry.

[@dreadgeneral5139]

+Chris Hoesel So true. lol

[@sovereignm3rcy483]

If you follow the link to read the full story, that is exactly what the pilot did. All the details are explained quite thoroughly actually, pretty crazy/scary stuff.

[@markhildebrand2417]

That was absolutely incredible!!! You would of thought there's no way....

[@hx2975]

They land with full throttle just for these scenarios.

[@ricknelson947]

Having been stationed on the Ike from 80 to 84. I’ve seen some excitement on that flight deck. This would have been at the top of my list. Everyone should remember that it wasn’t just the pilot who made home safely. There was most probably aside to the copilot, a full crew operating the equipment in the back.

[@donarthiazi2443]

Not to mention the crew on deck that could've been decapitated

[@TrionityIr]

The fact that there were no ejection seats makes this video more amazing. It was recover or worse for the pilots.

[@jasonsmith-lv5my]

cables were made in China.

[@ZeusPluchinoish]

Probably were

[@Nebulasmoke]

Hahaha...that's funny.

[@brucewayne795]

LOL

[@fastdak25]

actually they're made in Canada (at least the ones from my carrier were)

[@Bruce-1956]

probably made in the US

[@svtirefire]

Most of this comment section is people trying to sound smart by copying the comments of other people who were trying to sound smart lol

[@guyazbell7437]

Hey it works sumtimez

[@svtirefire]

@@guyazbell7437 Rarely. Even if it works and you get a bunch of likes and people think you're smart, is there some kind of satisfaction people get from copying another comment? I just don't get it.

[@gallofourteen116]

i'm copying this.............

[@SpinTheWords]

Bro! You just copied that from the duck banging video! I saw you! Duck Poontang 4 Lyfe

[@svtirefire]

@@gallofourteen116 😂

[@marcusallen6123]

That was DOPE!! That pilot stuck to his training and the plane still had the thrust to get back in the air?? Hope everyone on deck was okay

[@marcusallen6123]

ahh just noticed the caption mentioning injs- hopefully nothing life altering.

[@terryhollands2794]

I didn't read the caption before watching, agree 100% with you.

[@roberthodge7171]

Yup, when an aircraft contacts with the arresting ropes on the carrier the pilot is instructed to push to max acceleration to avoid such a case.

[@Kaynos]

I'm pretty sure i read somewhere that they have to go full trust upon landing on the deck just in case of this.

[@maxk2961]

Not on the Hawkeye. Both props spin in the same direction. If you were to increase the PLA to full, you would induce an extreme amount of yaw on the aircraft and bad things would happen. The Hawkeye has a variable pitch propeller so power is pretty much instantaneous, unlike a Hornet where the engines have to spool up. The Hawkeye's prop spins at a constant speed.

[@pablopeter9902]

Pure AIRMANSHIP, EXCELLENT. Congratulations to the PILOTS.

[@drdecent9104]

That would have been fatal! Now that’s what I call good piloting

[@ravenopenheart2649]

As an Island Cámara operator, I have to admit to never seeing a cable snap not going into the water. This was amazing!

[@kaidynreece6200]

Wait, this kinda thing happens often??

[@ravenopenheart2649]

Kaidyn Reece Running the camera I watched a lot of things go overboard..hung misiles, bombs, tires that came off, hung ordnance, you name it. Cable snaps are rare, but they do happen. Try looking up a cold cat launch. Pilots always have to eject to keep from being run over by the ship...but some get run over, others hit the ship or the aircraft on deck. A flight deck is a million ways to die...operating full speed day and night. Anything can happen....

[@richardbearden7889]

No accidents allowed... perfection and obsession all the way all the time..

[@ravenopenheart2649]

richard bearden Richard, one day during normal flight operations, I see a safety checker under an F14 just stop. No reason...he just stopped walking with the plane. He is under the wings, no way the pilot can see him...the guy just stops. As I am filming, the F14 runs right over him. Knocks him forward to the deck, and driver straight up between his legs, up his back, and right over his head. It only took seconds. That has been over 26 years now, and I still see this in my sleep sometimes. On average we lost about seven men per cruise. My next to last, just before Desert Storm, we lost 22 in one night. But I watched people get hurt...and I watched them die. That was my job...get it on camera. It’s never easy or perfect. You just go to work and try an survive till the next day.

[@richardbearden7889]

@@ravenopenheart2649 I'm sorry that has happened... something is wrong.... I've been to the sand before several times and I would have to say it's on a Spiritual level that keeps people safe.Only God can...seen many things that I don't understand but witnessed...many Powerful moments...was involved with a tank unit that would pray before going out on patrol...not understanding why we where there but just hoping to do something good...

[@noahkillingsworth3665]

After recovery notice how quick it accelerates...Blessings to those guys who probably came within 15 feet tops of death

[@paracommando2612]

yub during arrested landing throttle is in full power so that aircraft can take off in case of miss.

[@wakichunu]

What about the 8 people who got hit by the cable

[@mtsilvagt]

@@wakichunu Good point Waki ! 👍

[@PInk77W1]

Noah Killingsworth I’m pretty sure Air Force pilots push themselves to the Very limit too.

[@midnsmith]

@@mtsilvagt All injuries were immediately treated on-scene by fellow squadron and ship personnel. The folks with the most serious injuries were evacuated by helicopter back to Norfolk and treated at Sentara and Portsmouth Naval Hospitals. Thankfully no one lost life or limb. Quite a few serious fractures, but many of the 8 injured rejoined us during deployment later that year.

[@paulseebach5978]

Pilot on the comm's: "I'll be back". In his best Arnald impression.

[@dontknow395]

Why does the video look like it was shot it 1965 or something when actually it's shot this Year!!! Still at least it's not vertical recording lol

[@AustinNooe]

Also it's a night vision camera as well

[@VS24AT]

The gear was probably cannibalized from an old oil burner aircraft carrier due to budget cuts before the old carriers were scrapped

[@Rainx-of4lg]

I thought it was historic footage lmao

[@VideosbySteve]

Yeah i agree it's a good thing no one was killed!!!

[@jinhuang1966]

+Draconius Pyrope it was night time lol

[@seangelarden8753]

You see people running aft I hope nobody lost their legs

[@andywilliamsflorida]

if they are running they didn't lose their legs

[@seangelarden8753]

@@andywilliamsflorida it's not the people running it's what they are running towards, I saw two different people lose a leg on the flight deck

[@midnsmith]

Thankfully in this particular mishap none of the injured Sailors lost limbs. Some really serious fractures though

[@trentbailey0yiaytokens]

You can literally see the excitement and relief on the ground crew when the plane comes back up from falling off the deck

[@stargazer7644]

They were running to help the sailors that lost their legs from the flying cable.

[@RetSquid]

Wanna bet they need new shorts and that the yoke is now bent from him yanking it back?

[@David-qi1ys]

I'll take that bet. Had they fully pulled back on the yoke, they certainly would've stalled at that low speed. What do I win?

[@JohnSmith-qy2fh]

+David Grossenbacher the ability to survive if this every happens to you

[@KurasakiBleachigo1]

+Bunnyshooter 223 thats just a bad yoke man

[@enginerdy]

Yanking it back would have stalled the wing and put them in the water. The reason they're dry is that he pushed it forward and flew it away. They needed to gain speed before pulling back up.

[@RetSquid]

enginerdy It's a figure of speech. If he pushed it forward, they would be dead.

[@larryjewell7048]

"This the pilot, I need everybody to get out and push."

[@brianscott4371]

I’d love to hear the voice recording box after this flight. Glad he made it

[@udmbfckx2916]

Immediately, after the cable snaps and goes backwards, and as the plane is going overboard, you see the sailors near the bottom of the screen running towards their injured shipmates.

[@teccec]

Damn, hopefully no one lost a foot.

[@adriant1988]

Something like that will cut you straight in half.

[@FullMetal372]

I would be surprised if no one got cut clean in half. Look at the direction the peoplr are running after the cable snaps, you can tell there going back to give aid to those hit.

[@endeckerBM]

Depends where it hits you.

[@fastdak25]

broken bones and bruises, worst was a fractured skull but no appendages lost

[@FullMetal372]

fastdak25​​ Thats good to hear. Edit: where did youread that?

[@lakeratatouille]

After the initial investigation into the incident it was found that the cable snapped due to the ginormous balls of the flight crew.

[@pooplop8458]

He did Goldeneye opening scene moment.

[@burnerjack01]

He did 'browneye' right after this recovery was made.

[@inigo_88]

My thoughts exactly!!!

[@Defensive_Wounds]

Holy shit that was close!

[@bernieweber4663]

I was on deck of some carrier I don't remember which one. An EA-6B was cold cat'ed and went into the drink. Everyone saw them floating by. The closest one was waving. Two others were further out. We could not see the fourth one. Everyone was worried b/c most times there is four aircrew. Turns out it was only three on this flight. They were fished out immediately. The helo was overhead of the first one quickly. Twenty minutes later the Skipper comes over the 1MC and let's the aircrew speak. They were thankful but also taught a lesson. The closest crewman who floated by waving was not happy. Although grateful he said the next time you see someone floating by and they're waving they're not waving to say hello. Throw a life ring out!

[@ricknelson947]

Not sure how this made it to my recommended and pleased that it dit, but I was stationed on the Ike between 1981 & 1984 as an avionics technician (AQ). Have spent many hour’s watching flight ops. These pilots train for this exact scenario endlessly. Until they come to a full stop, the engines are at nearly full power. The boat should be heading into the wind at some speed. I’m so happy the pilots training and skills brought him or her and the crew home safely that day. I only hope that the cable didn’t injure or kill any crew on the flight deck. That can and has happened.

[@johnlooney3291]

Rick Nelson I was on deck in arresting gear during the same years.USS IKE!

[@roberthudson1959]

Eight sailors were injured, but it doesn't say anything about fatalities.

[@midnsmith]

@@roberthudson1959 Thankfully none of the injured Sailors lost life or limb. Some actually recovered in time to make it out to our deployment later that year.

[@ricknelson947]

@John Looney. I worked in the tunnel at the forward end of the hangar bay, second shop to the left AIMD. Used to spend quite a bit of time watching you flight deck people in amazement. Those who haven’t lived it will never truly understand the life risks you all took being there during flight ops. I got a glimpse of the Ike here in Jax parked in Mayport a number of years ago. Noticed the big radar tower and antenna are gone. Thanks Robert and Midnsmith for the update on injured personnel.

[@stevenmoore616]

I served the same years on Ike. I was on the deck (ABF) when triple sticks (111) of the Pukin Dogs snapped the cable. I was gassing an F14 and just watched that jet go straight up until it ran out of fuel, then it flipped to go nose straight down towards the deck. The Air Captain was screaming over the intercom "get the h*** off the deck" several times. That plane landed a couple hundred yards off the side of the ship. And yeah, I pissed my pants. Both pilots was ok.

[@SHOKona-wp4vr]

This is why you ALWAYS delete your browser history, just....in....case.

[@derekrichards5600]

Idiot

[@mikehagan4320]

"Integrity is what you do when nobody is looking." Good decisions snowball and Bad decisions Snowball. Life is about Choices.

[@derekrichards5600]

Every electronic you buy from the store no matter where you buy it has to be stamped with an FCC stamp means that the NSA CIA and FBI have the frequency and capabilities to listen in on that equipment and when were talking about the internet with IP addresses which correlate every single network connection which is a gateway and Ip also goes through the FCC and by that notion we're talking about the government can already listen in read our emails and even hear the conversation I'm sending to Google text to make this statement because they are already listening if they want to because they have to go through government systems to create equipment that is certified by government agencies! You can delete your browser history on your computer but they still have a record of that through the network connections and servers

[@SHOKona-wp4vr]

Mike Hagan yeah usually involves fucking someone’s wife or or just being a dick at work.

[@SHOKona-wp4vr]

Derek Richards shit, I don’t care if they can see what I’m doing. It’s the guys on the ship that don’t need to know that Down syndrome dwarf porn is a thing. Those little tard midgets make my penis puke!!!!!!!

[@sterlingarcher4989]

Without ejection seats, you have to work every problem to its conclusion - great skills to keep her flying and not stall out.

[@demariushenderson1802]

I like how the guys on the forward flight deck run over to see what happened to plane, and start high-fiving when they see it pull up!!

[@farzana6676]

Yeah, the first guy was running towards the edge, and as soon as he saw it come up, he stopped in his tracks.

[@markguerrero7677]

Demarius Henderson -There was someone standing right in front of the nose of the Hornet to the right. I don't think he got out of the way of that cable.

[@m35926]

Thank you pilot for saving my tax dollars

[@stillwaitingonmymatchwithj8765]

I’m currently onboard USS Eisenhower and manning that camera that filmed this is my job. I wasn’t onboard for this incident, but VLA (the shop responsible for recording flight ops) has this footage on hand and I have seen it. Craziest thing I saw while standing that watch was a Hawkeye (the plane you see here) touching down too hard and popping a tire on the recovery.

[@USNVA11]

The Navy has “Naval Aviators”. The Air Force has “Pilots”. If you were looking for a distinction, you just watched it.

[@calvinnickel9995]

No obstacles on the approach or arrival, carrier course eliminates crosswinds, and surrounded by a soft liquid.

[@michaelalanpowell]

Amen.

[@dominiquestephenson195]

Calvin Nickel - cept your runways a postage stamp, it’s moving away from you, it’s moving on all six axis, there’s lots of aircraft, equipment, people and a freaking island structure mere feet away, you don’t flare but fly the mains straight into the deck, the approach is precise utilizing the OLS and LSO guidance to snag the three, you go to full mil as soon as your mains hit, water is not soft at these speed & angels and may be cold and rough, at night there’s a chance you won’t be found & will get to know the joy of watching the boats lights disappear, you get graded on every trap and ranked (ribbed) by squadron mates, there’s no Officers Club (there is Officer Country but it’s not the same), there’s no bar or booze, there’s no golf course, no pool, no off base housing and back in my time (80’s) no women at all. Other than that yea it’s EXACTLY like the Air Force!

[@brownj2]

Hogwash. I used to work in the flight deck of Ike. Some pilots are better than others.

[@frogking5573]

@@calvinnickel9995 lol I'm gonna guess you probably have never flown or landed an aircraft

[@michaelleahcim2056]

I bet when they finally landed back on that acc all their colleagues got on their knees and bow to these guys feet. GODS!

[@WornoutRNPARAMEDIC]

I've always heard that carrier pilots call landing on those big carriers a "controlled crash."

[@paulhudson6846]

That was such a movie moment when it vanishes over the edge for ages, and then reappears

[@jacksainthill8974]

Video ratings concealed - is there a reason? (I plussed it anyway.)

[@frankfrank1405]

fyi. you can still hit dislike or like. You just don't see how many likes or dislikes is all.

[@VenomOnPC]

+frank frank Hence why he said he pushed it anyway... No offence intended btw.

[@jacksainthill8974]

frank frank I did say _concealed_, not _disabled_. Thanks anyway.

[@jacksainthill8974]

James Mcmullan Thank you. :)

[@charlesroberts2166]

First time I have watched this video & I honestly thought the plane had ended up in the sea. Was amazed, & relieved, when it reappeared.

[@PyroShark_]

wow that fucking pilot is amazing, i thought he splashed but he proved me wrong or she...because some people would be pissed

[@asfvdbgsdh]

if it was a she the plane would've missed the ship altogether

[@moderndinosaur6910]

+asfvdbgsdh *triggers feminist,*

[@henryc2570]

+asfvdbgsdh 😂😂😂

[@Taylor-uv1cn]

They can't get pisses lol they didn't have women doing this kindve stuff back them

[@Taylor-uv1cn]

+Taylor Swenson then**

[@endutubecensorship]

Anyone start saying "power, power, POWER, POWER!" To all those going down range and those that have gone before them, God bless and God's speed Lest we forget

[@mbasir]

They always touch down with full power.

[@dominiquestephenson195]

mbasir -no, they hit the deck by the numbers THEN go immediately to full mil.

[@midnsmith]

LSOs were calling "POWER" over the radio out of instinct, but of course we were already at Max Power by then

[@JayGoTexas]

i was on the ship when this happened. im still amazed that the pilot got that plane back in the air.

[@klonklone7787]

Anyone get hurt by the cables snapping?

[@pontiacgirl73]

HELL OF A SAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markburkley42]

Been there - '72 VT-5 T-28C - power is cut just before touchdown - had one hook skip for a #4 wire, then hook skipped over #3 & #4 - like that E-2C pilot, managed to get power back up to flying speed before doing a "Dilbert Dunker" - 45 yrs ago and I remember it like it was today

[@ddegn]

Sounds terrifying! Did it affect your willingness to fly afterwards?

[@markburkley42]

Actually, I never realized how close I was to going into the water. I knew I had to keep the nose down since the engine had not wound up enough to start cutting air. I was reaching for the lever to raise the landing gear when the plane gave a shudder as the prop finally was pulling air vs windmilling. eased back on the stick and reentered the flight pattern. During the debrief at base, the LSO asked me what had happened. He stopped me when I mentioned reaching for the landing gear. He then told me I was so low that the people in the birdcage overlooking the angle deck had also lost sight of me and were on the radio for the safety helo to go pick me up. That's when it hit me. He then asked me why I did not pull up.I said "the plane did not have flying speed". After carrier quals, I was told my grades were good enough to transfer over to the jet pipeline. (which I could have selected out of Primary, but felt I should learn to walk before running) I did and went to VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, TX flying the TA-4F/J. Every iffy situation I experienced, training had me react rather than think about it. Including avoiding a mid-air at the last few seconds. possible flat tire, loss of navigation at night. brake failure on landing roll out - It's training that gets you through, especially when you don't have time to think.Defensive driving is the same, being aware of what's around you and what could go wrong, thinking of solutions before they actually happen. Flight training was constantly practicing emergency procedures. Hope that helps.

[@ddegn]

Mark Burkley I wasn't sure you were the one flying in the original comment. That's something else. I'm glad to hear you got through all those close calls safe. I've only flow radio controlled airplanes myself. Even still, I know there are lots of things which can happen where one just has to act and not stop to think. Thanks for answering my question and thanks for the fantastic stories.