MORE Aircraft Carrier Crash Lowlights

There's a saying in Naval Aviation: "There are no new mishaps, just new people doing the same old mishaps." But Naval Aviation safety does not buy that notion and operates under the premise that if you're aware of what the old mishaps are, then you won't repeat them.
Much of what's in this episode is from the Naval Safety Center's archives, footage that has never been widely seen publicly before. It's presented in memory of those who paid the ultimate price in pursuit of carrier aviation capability and the freedom it provides.
Support this channel at / wardcarroll or donate in the comments section below using SUPER THANKS.

[@Riverplacedad1]

The A7 pilot who pulled power (actually he shut down his engine) on the bolter, got the nickname “the 9 million dollar man.” That was his 3rd A7 ejection and he was only a LT. A very lucky man!

[@WardCarroll]

No doubt!

[@JMChladek]

Dayum!

[@shootermcgavin633]

Just curious if the A7 driver that pulled power was attached to VA 15. Looks eerily similar to an incident I witnessed aboard Independence in 1982. One of the EA-6B incidents and S-3 incidents also look familiar from the same Med cruise

[@Riverplacedad1]

@@shootermcgavin633 it was on the Midway in the early 80s

[@privatepilot7181]

@@Riverplacedad1 va-56, If so, I was there in 1981 and knew this pilot.

[@vidar7106]

I had recently left VS-22 prior to the EA-6B hitting Vidar706 in the landing area. Luckily the S-3 only had front seaters. Skipper Wallace ended up in the water and the CoTac ended up in the mast on the island. His new call sign? “ Swinger”. I’m a modeler and built a model of Vidar 706 for Skipper Wallace. He teared up when I presented to him. I’m a soul survivor of an S-3 ejection that rolled right off cat 1 in Oct 1989. Currently a 737 pilot out of Miami with American. Skipper Reddinger was the pilot of the nose gear issue that took the barricade. He later became the Commadore of the East Coast SeaStrike Wing. He’s now a County Commissioner in Northeast Florida.

[@aytviewer2421]

I currently live in Northeast Florida. Do you mean Jim Renninger (not Reddinger)? His bio says he is retired Navy and survived an S3-B barricade landing. I was onboard the TR (CVN-71) from 1985-1990 (commissioned in Oct '86). While they were building her they sent me TAD to spend time out to sea on three other ships to learn my rating. I watched many cats and traps on deployments, but was not part of air ops. I participated in a bunch of FOD walkdowns just to get some fresh air at times. Over those five years I remember several losses of planes and I think one helicopter too. There was also the unfortunate incident of one of the deck crew walking backwards into an E2C's prop in spring 1988. I think that was the worst event of all on any ship I was on during that time.

[@SeranStorme]

My senior instructor for NJROTC in high school was a B-52 pilot during the Vietnam War. He retired when my class graduated and the entire school, and some of his previous students, came to give him a salute in our graduation gear, service uniforms or whatever we still had when his retirement was announced at graduation. More than 5000 people saluting him made him, a man who never showed any weakness and was always there when you needed help, tear up. He was and I'm sure still is the happiest vet I've ever met, but he cared for every single student like his own child. I know several crewmen aboard ships managed to stream their salutes back to their instructor. I miss that man. By far the coolest and most level-headed man I've ever met. I'm honored to have known him.

[@timferguson1593]

The Prowler hitting the S-3 was an accident that cost EVERYONE: LSO PERSONNEL, Air Boss, Mini Boss, ATC, ATC Division Officer, radar operations personnel. Basically everyone running the show that night were reprimanded and discharged. The Boss Mini Boss and ATC and the LSO running the comms with the aircraft discharged from Naval service

[@1919champ]

Wow, that’s was some knarly footage. RIP to those lost aviators.

[@-nixwite-]

Man, some of this footage is hard to watch. Rest in Peace to those who gave all.

[@mmoore102]

Great stuff. Joined the Navy in May of 74 and was honored to be assigned to VF-24 at Miramar. My rate was an AME, so I worked on ejection seats, oxygen pressurization. My Divo had the unfortunate experience of ejecting twice out of an F-14, both times it was mechanical or software issues and both times I had the great joy of signing off on his seat maintenance. After the second ejection he gave me the face curtain. Nothing like the feeling, having a man you respect shaking your hand and giving you thanks for helping save his life. Miss the 22 years I had the honor of serving with some of the greatest men I’ve ever met. These videos bring back such fond memories. Love your channel, thanks for sharing with us old salts…

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

Face curtain? Sorry, but I can’t tell if you’re talking about an actual part or about him crying. (I am not a pilot or in the military) Could you elaborate on that? Also… Thank you for your service: I might not be American (born in Canada, lived there all my life), but I have nothing but the highest respect for someone willing to lay down their life for their country: especially for those who served in the Cold War and carrier crews. That group, you included, are arguably the ones who were in the most danger out of all who served in peacetime: even more so than submariners… If you’ve got any cool or funny stories to share, feel free to share them!

[@MattH-wg7ou]

​@@TheEmeraldMenOfficial it is part of the ejection handles that they pull down from above their head towards upper chest level. It has a sheet type thing attached to it so it is supposed to protect their face during the ejection. The part Goose was reaching for in the original Top Gun movie. Most newer jets dont have that style ejection handle anymore, theyre either between the thighs or outboard on both sides of the thighs. To the OP, wow that must be crazy, and satisfying in a wierd way, to know that your kit and your maintenance of it was used twice to save someones life when they needed it most! Ive talked to maintainers who have said they threw up when they heard their jet crashed, and just hoped the crew was ok and that it wasnt something they messed up. People trust their lives absolutely to you and your comrades work every day!

[@davyjones5890]

Thank You for Your Service. In 74, my C4 munition ship was docked at Pearl, right next to the Enterprise, (I think). I climbed up as high as I could on the house, and looked amazed at the jet tails hanging over the carrier deck, ANOTHER 30 feet higher ! Carriers are just AWESOME.

[@SPCLPONY]

Navy brat here. My dad was a Vietnam Vet. Served in the 'Sunny Southeast Asian Paradise' as he used to call it, from 65' through 68'. My family moved from Erie, Pa to Philadelphia after his return, where he was stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Base and Johnstown/Warminster NAS until he retired in 1980. I still have pictures of my dad testing ejection seats affixed to a tall tower structure. He was surrounded by a styrofoam cockpit mock-up to check for clearance issues from a pilots feet and arms during a ejection sequence. The tower had markings to show how far up the seat went to clear the imaginary tail of various aircraft. After the ejection shot, the seat with my dad strapped in, would stop and hang up there where he'd give a two thumbs up signal to the ground monitoring crew to say he was okay. Sometimes he'd sit up there for 10 minutes while data was collected, and then they would crank him down to the ground. My brother and I got to go and watch one of those tests. Really cool to see.

[@emagee7864]

This brings back memories. I’ve seen so many mishaps and we lost planes on every cruise I’ve been on. The pilots and NFOs are some very brave people. Their lives are literally on the line every flight and the deck is such a dangerous place to work. I am still suffering hearing loss from the deck. To the heroes who paid the ultimate price and to the ones who were severely injured.

[@dougreid2351]

Amen. Their lives changed as they pursued the victory of freedom throughout the world. DOUGout

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Wow yall lose a jet on every cruise?! Thats crazy. Mad respect. I cannot imagine launching out into utter blackness of night off a ship. The spatial disorientation risk is extreme. Or trying to land on pitching deck at night with weather and blue water ops...woah. Yea forget that mess, I like land! 😂 But have all the respect for those that do it.

[@craigfazekas3923]

My neighbor was an A-7 mechanic aboard USS ORISKANY in 'Nam. He has told me more than once, "never in my life had I been more aware of my surroundings than when I was on deployment & taught me many life lessons outside of the navy".... 🚬😎👍

[@jamescatrett2608]

James Mitchener said it best in The Bridges At Toko-Ri : “Why is America lucky enough to have such men? They leave this tiny ship and fly against the enemy. Then they must seek the ship, lost somewhere on the sea. And when they find it, they have to land upon its pitching deck. Where did we get such men?”

[@WardCarroll]

Classic line.

[@RGC-gn2nm]

Best modern navy movie ever

[@alantoon5708]

One of my favorite movies.

[@thomasneedham1512]

The movie transposed the name of the real bridges, as it was Goto Ri by current transliteration standards. Old way was Koto Ri.

[@lizard869]

Bridges at Toko Ri is the most realistic post World War II navy movie ever made in my opinion.

[@jamesmasonaltair1062]

My heart bleeds Army, but the sight of US Navy sailors streaming towards danger, with zero regard for their own lives, just to try to save their aviators, makes me so proud. It gets me right in the feels. When men know that their bros have their back no matter what, they will risk much. That willingness to lay it on the line for your shipmates is a powerful force multiplier. And a shout out to my Navy bro onboard the Mahan (DDG 72). May he and all our Navy boys and girls return home safe. Mr. Carroll, sir, thank you for the great vids and the expert, succinct analysis. You Naval Aviators are some ice cool, disciplined, and highly trained individuals.

[@tyronemarcucci8395]

In Nov.1961, off Oahu, we had an FJ2 Fury hit the round down. Dent still there in the USS Lexington, CVA 16. the FJ was carrying two full aux tanks and the aft half of the flight deck, the fantail, and both aft 5inch gun mounts caught fire. My most exciting day at sea that year. SMC,USN, Ret.

[@JP_Stone]

Most people only see the glorious parts of being a Naval Aviator watching this video really gives you perspective how dangerous the job actually is and how thin the margins are between a perfect landing and becoming a fire ball. Great video Ward.

[@phmwu7368]

Luckily we have advanced drone technology to these jobs anno 2021!

[@tristanallain1483]

@@phmwu7368 what?

[@phmwu7368]

@@tristanallain1483 X-47 UCAV to strike and many others to do reconnaissance

[@tristanallain1483]

@@phmwu7368 ya but a drone dosent solve all problems. A lot of the time you need pilots in the cockpit to complete tasks. Even if it's a dangerous job.

[@amcs1926]

If was easy we let the Air force do it.

[@geobeo6449]

Ward - at the 3:00 mark: the F-8 (VF-11, AB-212) - my Dad was in the squadron on that cruise. Fortunately, pilot LTJG J.T. Kryway was recovered and able to continue flying. He eventually became the CO of VF-96, 12 years later.

[@davidgreen40]

I met an A-6 pilot who had an ejection seat handle on his desk. I asked about it and the sea story started “That is all that’s left of a $40M aircraft….”

[@DCSNURE]

I was the Flight Deck Officer's talker aboard USS Bennington in the early 1950's when we deck launched an AD Skyraider into a sea like the C 1 in your clip. We stood there breathlessly and speechless as the bow rose and then lowered displaying the AD climbing out shaking water from its wings like a good retriever coming out of a lake. If you're not familiar with Naval Aviation News of that era, I think you would enjoy Grandpaw Pettibone who covers antics and perils of that era. Unlike Willie Nelson, my heroes have always been Naval Aviators!

[@TorchMagick]

My Dad was a Naval Aviator who flew in Korea and Vietnam,and he had a captivating way of telling a true story and making it come to life. He passed in 2008 at 84 years,and I miss his stories a little less because you are sharing the legacy of bravery and sacrifice that are so important to Naval Aviation. Thanks,Commander!🎸✈🖖

[@EFFEZE]

Bennnnnfffffff

[@dougreid2351]

Amen. DOUGout

[@Smannellites]

Wow. This just illustrates how difficult carrier aviation is and just how good these guys need to be. Very respectfully presented.

[@chrisisaacs7233]

OMG!!!! I've finally found the clip of the S3 I saw live land in the barricade. Happens at 10:35 of the video. Happened on the USS Roosevelt in the Med. This was the first ship I had ever deployed too. I was working in SSES at the time as a Morse code operator. Saw it all happen on the CCTV. I remember the S3 getting airborne and it seemed like forever they had him circling the carrier. They wanted to divert him to a land airfield but he didn't have enough fuel. Captain came on the 1MC and told the crew they were landing him in the barrier. I'll never forget watching the dot of his landing lights getting bigger and bigger in the deck camera. Finally the camera switched to sideview and the S3 landed in the barrier without incident. You could hear the whole ship cheer when he landed. It was truly spectacular. I remember the co pilot landed on the deck and he stayed in his seat. His chute drug him across the deck on his knees. He was tore up pretty bad but He did survive. Thank you Ward for finding this clip. There was nothing I loved more than watching the 14's launch at night from the crow's nest. Was the most amazing experience of my life.

[@donaldo20032003]

I was in VS-24 when that happened. Luckily it was the xo with many hours and saved the aircraft. Lockheed messed up and put the wrong ejection valve in. This is why the copilot is the only one that ejected.

[@hairybubbles127]

Retired AME here. It's sobering for me to see these rough situations and at the same time satisfying, to see some ejection sequences go just right, just when commanded. Great video! Thank you

[@RGC-gn2nm]

Lifelong 11B. I thought I hated safety briefs and checks until I joined the 101st airborne. So many FOD walks. Aviation takes safety and accountability to entirely new levels. Screw rank or ego on flight lines

[@thomasneedham1512]

Having had to guard a crash site with remains still on site when I was at the 101st, it was a sobering thing to do when my job involved aircrew activities while stationed there.

[@sgtairborne2449]

I hear ya man, as a paratrooper when those C-130 are flying NAP of the earth at a very low altitude all it would take is a split second screw up and we are going down so I got so much respect for pilots and aviation in general. C-17’s was the way to go if you had to jump fixed wing, and CH-47 was the way to go for rotary aircraft!!

[@jonathanbuyno9461]

Amazing what a small piece of FOD can do. I remember one night asking my buddy why the long shift. They did a engine swap on a harrier, you have to remove the wing. They get everything back together, new engine ready to go. Took room can’t find a tool and they had to eventually pull the wing back off and find it. They did but man, not a good night for that squadron. The flight schedule is relentless, got to minimize mistakes.

[@PennPearson]

@@sgtairborne2449 11B here. I never jumped out of a C-17; only C-130s and C-141s, which were a rough exit, even with a screen out. I hit the fuselage once. As for helicopters, yes, the CH-47 was my favorite, too. So gentle and smooth. And stepping off the ramp was more fun than pushing off of a Huey.

[@funkmcfingers]

A stark reminder of how dangerous it is, I have immense respect for all aviators who routinely launch themselves on and off ships.

[@rolling_marbles]

I remember some of this footage they showed us in PR “A”. It demonstrates why our job was important in the worst times of aviators lives and was also used to demonstrate why some of the little things in a chute exist, like the ballistic spreader for on deck ejections.

[@cabbys]

Chilling always watching these old tapes. I was a young ABE-3 Arresting Gear hook runner on the USS Oriskany CVA34 circa 1973. An RF-8 Crusader hit the ramp and those memories have stayed with me. It was a photo bird that had a commemorative plate on it as John Glenn had flown it and set a transcontinental speed record. I was lucky to be uninjured but our Flight Deck Bos’n took a glancing blow to his back from the starboard wheel and though he survived, he suffered life impacting injuries. For me, it was a great 24 year career and I was fortunate to retire as an O4-E Aviation Deck 6310 in 1995. You have a terrific channel. Great work and commentary.

[@bobotondo8924]

I clicked the “like” button, but “like” really doesn’t capture my reactions to the video or its content. “Sobering” and “respectful” would be more appropriate adjectives. “Like”, in this case, is just KZbin shorthand for a recommendation to watch the video and appreciate its message.

[@m118lr]

Absolutely agree...hard to really sum it up.

[@shawnmulberry774]

Yes thanks I had a lot of mixed feelings about this too. Like is the correct function for some algorithm just not exactly the sentiment i feel when I see these brave aviators do what must be done.

[@aaronseet2738]

Maybe they should simply set it to "good" "bad".

[@nadineblachetta3202]

Ah never mind, I mean what is your alternative? Is there a naval aviation Videoplatform out there to show such things? I doubt that, althoufh nie that I think of it, it would be appropriate, not?

[@bobotondo8924]

Good point, Nadine. I hadn't really thought about an alternative to "like/dislike". I guess the best option is for viewers to elaborate on their "like/dislike" reactions in the Comments section. Indeed, the current set of comments about this video (now at 587) shows that viewers appreciate it in many different ways. I saw your earlier post about cold cat shots. Do you have any other thoughts about this video?

[@scenepointjudge]

The Prowler striking the Viking is absolutely heartbreaking.

[@dictumfactum7784]

All 4 perished in the prowler

[@nocalsteve]

There’s a video with the LSO communications, absolutely frustrating that no one, not one single person, was aware of the situation, until the airboss yells “wave-him off” but it’s already too late.

[@USN308]

Ward, I served on the USS Oriskany, CVA-34, '72-'75; I remember an F-8 Crusader from either VF-191 (Red Lightnings) or VF-194 (Satan's Kittens) having an arresting cable free-spool on the port side; I believe it was the Squadron Commander of VF-194. He realized what was happening, hit AB, pitched the nose up to near vertical as the cable pulled the plane over the port catwalk, ripped off the handrails & wiped out the meatball lights with the tailhook; plane went over the side high. Just as it pitched from nose up to nose down & was level he punched out; Angel 004 plucked him outta the water. He got a well-deserved standing ovation and cheers from everyone on the Flight Deck. I was standing above the Flight Deck on the island by the Flight Deck Video Recording Camera when it all went down. When I saw Angel 004 pick him up & head back to the ship I went down to the Flight Deck. Had to let him know along with everyone else how much we appreciated his brass balls and saving all the lives we might have lost if he hadn't been such a damn good driver! Anyway, I was just wondering if you could find that footage. Those pilots never ceased to amaze me; I've seen them do things with planes that "You can't do." I was an IC man, Ship's Company, Engineering Dept. E Div., not Airwing. Dad was a Navy pilot in WW ll; had retired 4 months before Pearl as a Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate. Flew TBF/TBMs, SBDs, etc. came out a Lt. Cmdr.; Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Serice Cross. But the fire at NPRC in St. Louis set by the SDS Weathermen faction burned his records from during WW ll. I'd like to see if I could contact Pensacola Squadron History folks because I'm pretty sure they have records of who they train, right? Then I can follow from there, orders he was cut after completing Pilot Flight Traing there would possibly also be in his Training Squadron's records, I hope. You have no idea how much I appreciate your vid eos, Sir. (I was Enlisted, not an Officer.) HOOYAH!

[@Brick702]

2:10 That inflight engagement is insane. I was a yellow shirt on the flight deck of a carrier and I remember seeing a Rhino from a training squadron have one. You see thousands of traps so after a while you can tell if an aircraft is above/below glide slope long before they trap. I was in Fly 3, right on the foul line next to the wires, and I remember seeing this aircraft waaay below glide slope on final. They were so extremely low that for a split second I thought they were going to slam into the fantail. Right as they get to the ship, the engines kicked on as the initiated the wave off, and they hovered above the deck with absolutely nothing touching deck except the tailhook which I spotted at the last second. They get a positive rate of climb and start flying away when the hook caught the wire and it just SNATCHED this jet out of the air. It pitched nose down so violently that I thought this pilot was going to go nose first into the deck and kill themselves. LUCKILY, the nose gear took the brunt of the impact and the rear gear slammed into the deck so hard that a few of us got hit with shrapnel flying off the aircraft. Needless to say, it got towed away, but major credit to the maintainers because that thing was up and flying a week later or so. I imagine that pilot was promptly assigned the callsign "SLAM". I saw a lot of crazy things working on the flight deck, including an aircraft crashing in the water on the downwind leg right off the side with both the crew ejecting safely, but that jet having the inflight engagement scared the absolute hell out of me.

[@citadelgrad87]

Amazing bravery. What a crazy way to make a living. My dad was a B47 Stratojet aircraft commander at the dawn of the jet age. He lost a lot of friends. He was a FAC in viet nam, later transitioned to rotary wing and was CINC of Air Rescue and Special Ops. He said carrier pilots are a totally different breed. Considering the source, i am in awe. Great content, Ward. Keep it up.

[@samuelWx]

Requiescat in pace (RIP); Lt. Mark Lange, LCDR J. SKull, LTJG C. O. Neil, AD2 F.Pena, LCDR Robert "Ernie" Sides. Fair winds and following seas shipmates (and fellow Naval Aviators).

[@dougs2747]

I was on the USS Midway when the A-7 hit the ramp. In the PLAT video, the LSO slowly says, "Power - Power." Then the LSO rapidly screams, "Power - Power - Power." The sad note about this crash is the pilot's brother also flew the A-7. The brother was in the air, in the landing pattern, when the crash happened. The deck had to be cleared before the remaining planes could land. On a different A-7 crash on the USS Midway, an A-7 had an intermittent fuel pump problem. The pilot managed to restart the fuel pump several times. It was decided it was too dangerous to try to land the A-7. The pilot was told to eject. When the A-7 was abeam of the ship, on the port side, the pilot ejected. There was a large audience on the flight deck watching the ejection. (Pass the popcorn) The helo quickly picked him up. My office was across from the A-7 ready room. I saw the pilot walking slowly on crutches. I thought to myself, this pilot had 20 minutes to prepare himself for the ejection. Yet he was injured. The pilot was medevac on the next COD. I watched, in real time, on PLAT the crash of a F-4. On the CAT shot, the port side wing strut broke. Which turned the F-4 sideways. The jet was dragged off the flight deck by the other wing strut. Leaving the flight deck, the F-4 immediately turned over. The back seater ejected and he shot across the water. The plane inverted and the pilot ejected straight down into the water. The RIO lived but was severely injured. When the wing strut broke, it caused the CAT to explode. The explosion shutter the ship. The noise was like a bomb. The next day, I looked at the debris of the CAT. There was steel four inches thick bent into an arch. The deck plates at the end were torn up. There was chunks of shatter steel from when the piston and barrel disintegrated inside the CAT compartment. I served on the USS Midway from May 1980 to May 1985. In those 5 years, there were eight aircrew deaths from aircraft crashes.

[@skipk44]

As a USAF/USN F4 exchange program pilot going through carrier orientation, I watched a dual F4 cat shot ejection from the the USS Forrestal. Thank God both survived. Got my undivided attention. Fortunately, my carrier qualification went well and the cruise with VF-102 aboard the USS independence was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. God bless the USN!

[@thomasnikkola5600]

So you as an Air Force pilot were carrier qualified in the Phantom? Thats pretty awesome. Former ABH3 USN V1 Div Crash and Salvage.

[@roadgeneral]

Navy and Marine Corps pilots are, by far, the best aviators in our military. The skills required to bring these modern-day jets aboard a carrier are unmatched anywhere in the world. I witnessed these pilots with my own eyes many, many years ago and still, to this day, I admire them greatly. Thank you CDR Carroll.

[@scottcooper4391]

There was an old saying "Naval aviation pilots can do everything the AF pilots can - and then they have to land on that tiny ship".

[@robertheinkel6225]

The Navy now has a drone that can refuel itself in flight, and land on the carrier by itself.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

Unmatched anywhere in the world? RN aviators would argue with that.

[@scootergeorge9576]

@@robertheinkel6225 - I believe it's a tanker to refuel manned aircraft.

[@BGLENN-dp4tx]

@@robertheinkel6225 Drones are great on a nice clear calm seas day/night . It'll be a cold day in hell before drones are autonomous, can "think" and adapt to failed electronics, and/or night carrier landings in bad weather and pitching decks in heavy seas. I wish they could handle it though - We coulda just watched a ready-room movie instead of night after night adrenaline shocks, shaky knees, and premature grey hair. LOL

[@jimz68]

Rest In Peace to all who perished in service to our country.

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Amen!! And God Bless all who are serving 🤙🏻🤙🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@warrenpuckett4203]

There are two places you may not want to be on or in. A carrier flight deck. Or a oil refinery when it starts up after a rebuild. I had watched from a frigate on plane guard. Never had to watch them scoop somebody up after anything like that. But refineries continue to explode and burn. It is not fun day when that happens. Should have stayed in the Navy. There are accidents that suck the life out of you. Then you go back to work on the next job site.

[@johnhenderson131]

Considering just how dangerous an aircraft carrier deck is, not just for pilots, the fact that there are not more accidents is a testament to the skill and training of everyone working on a flight deck. Great video, thanks for sharing it and showing the training, skill and dedication to all those working in such a dangerous environment. They deserve the recognition for the great job they do. I remember the USS Forrestal accident and fire (1967, If I remember correctly) during the Vietnam War. WW II ordinance. 7:21 Sincerely, Doc

[@gogogravity]

I was on the USS Midway from 82-85. Thanks for putting this together. You did a great job! Thank everyone for their service!

[@markgriffin8158]

Ward, fantastic channel. My Dad was an RN observer in Sea Vixens and F4’s on Ark Royal in the 60’s and 70’s. Lost too many good people on carrier opps, particularly Vixens. Good to show people the reality of carrier operations and how difficult and potentially dangerous it is. Keep up the good work.

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks, Mark.

[@iananderson7883]

This is one of the few channels I watch on KZbin. Always with expert commentary. KZbin has become littered with so many trashy channels. This one is definitely one of the best aviation channels hands down.

[@nommadd5758]

Good compilation. R.I.P. to those who gave all! Fair winds and following seas.

[@richardbowen8059]

Just found this, not an aviator or ex service person but seriously your professionalism knowledge and experiences are inspiring, thank you,hi from France.

[@stitch3163]

I was a guest shooter on the TR for the S-3 barricade. I still, to this day, don’t understand why they had them do a hook-up pass with the unsafe nose gear indication. The pilot was the squadron skipper at the time, IIRC, and pulled off an awesome save. Side comment, command ejection was initiated, but the pilot’s seat didn’t go. Inspection of the seat showed errors in the gas tube installation resulting in a fleet wide inspection that found several other incorrectly plumbed seats.

[@danmacgowan8242]

I was in V-32 at the time and I remember the AME's ripping all the seats out to check for that.

[@user-yj3kn4fe7h]

Naval Aviation takes a level of courage the average person just cannot comprehend.

[@dukecraig2402]

Many occupations in the military do, of the 10 deadliest occupations in the history of the US I've had three including structural ironworker, and I saw more guy's get killed and maimed in my single enlistment in the peacetime Army than I did in all three of those occupations combined over the 30 years I did them. Like Ward said in the video about the fighter pilot hacks you have to train like you fight, in the Army that can mean that you'll find yourself driving armored vehicles across the countryside at night with no headlights on, guy's laying around in the woods get run over, driver's drive those armored vehicles right off cliffs resulting in crewmembers inside getting killed and mutilated. Everyone knows that landing a jet on a carrier especially at night is a scary endeavor, but I can assure you that driving an armored vehicle in a mile long column ⅔rds of the way back in it at night time in the desert with so much dust kicked up that you can't see 10 feet in front of you is downright horrifying, one little mistake and you, or worse yet someone else, is dead or crippled for the rest of your life. The dangerous occupations I had in the civilian world had OSHA around, and I used to laugh when I'd think about how if they had oversight of the military they'd lose their minds at some of the things we did, but you have to train like you'd fight, and if that means driving an armored vehicle at night with no lights on or landing a jet on the deck of a carrier at night without the deck being illuminated by floodlights then so be it. Training for combat in the military is a dangerous, there's just no way around it, but you gotta do what you gotta do when you're training for that possibility that one day you'll be doing it in a war, then you'll be glad you've mastered driving a vehicle that weighs tons at night with no lights on, at that point it'll seem like the least of your problems.

[@bobmartin4942]

@@dukecraig2402 Very well said

[@sprengron]

@@dukecraig2402 Ironworker, huh? Ages ago I was a boilermaker, building water towers, pre-OSHA. It was a different world. Walking struts no wider than your boot a hundred feet up. Also saw a couple guys get busted up pretty good at Fort Riley, KS during my stint in the Army. APC, in the dark, in the rain, in the mud . . .

[@geoffyeatman8791]

Thanks Ward. I used to be in the RAAF and during the late 80s some of the footage shown in this video surfaced. We were fascinated then while watching it but there was no commentary then. After all these years it was even more enthralling as you explained each incident. RIP those that didn't make it.

[@dictumfactum7784]

The EA-6B collision with the S-3 was VAQ-130 & VS-22 on the Enterprise. Unfortunately all 4 perished in the prowler crew... Thanks for the vids

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

Working Carrier Flight Ops is pure Tango with the Reaper himself. I have felt his heart beat and the frost of his touch.

[@DeliveryMcGee]

In the Prowler vs. S-3 incident, the two in the Viking ejected and survived, the four guys in the Prowler died, three of them lost at sea because what was left of the Prowler slid off the deck after impact. If you slow it down or know to look for it, you can see the flash of the right rear seat going a quarter-second before impact. Still a monumental screwup and four guys dead, but it easily could've been six or eight if the S-3 pilots hadn't punched out in time, or if they'd had their guys in back.

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks for the additional detail.

[@DeliveryMcGee]

​@@WardCarroll Kinda pissed off that the two LSOs and the guy up in the tower only got reassigned to other duties and a note in their files to the effect of "no more promotions." That level of negligence is manslaughter at best for civilians. Or for the Navy if they oopsie civilians (see the Prowler vs. cable car incident 9 months prior.) Edit: The full 7-minute video of the Prowler/Viking mishap, with comms, is on youtube, I don't recommend looking it up, but I've watched it twice, and the Prowler pilot calling the ball like every other day is what really breaks my heart. He had no idea. :(

[@fredthomson2182]

I was a plane Captain with VA 195 aboard USS Kitty Hawk in 75 this video recorded. lieutenant McCullough caught the wire and caused the nose gear to fod out the engine. Very heavy seas caused the deck to rise and fall too quickly. .A very scary few moments but amazing response from the crash crew kept it under control and thankfully a shook up pilot was ok.

[@investigator77]

These pilots have nerves of steel. I am constantly amazed at the bravery and talent it takes to fly an airplane, and land it on a very small landing strip that is bobbing and weaving in the sea. Thanks for this video!

[@Nigel2Zoom]

I was onboard Nimitz the night we lost the Whale, (A3) The plane boltered several times, before the barricade attempt. When they hit the top of the barricade it ripped the nose gear off and smashed down on the deck and slid off the angle. When it hit the water we all ran to the port side threw our flashlights in. The tail was visible floating and we all thought that they would have a good chance to egress. What we didn't know until later was the fuselage had separated forward of the tail and sank immediately. We lost 7 Shipmates that night. A terrible thing to witness. What made it worse was seeing the nose gear behind the island for several days, until it was removed.

[@roymccarty9481]

I was on the flight deck that night. VF-84 AO. Terrible sight to see.

[@jrmorrell5034]

I was there too, cat#2 , bad night.

[@RocketToTheMoose]

I remember a grim article about the A-3D in one of the San Diego newspapers around 1986 titled "The Doomed." Not sure, but perhaps it was about this crew? The A-3 was the last carrier based jet (not counting turboprops) without ejection seats.

[@Nigel2Zoom]

@@roymccarty9481 I was a Plane Captain in VA-86.

[@Nigel2Zoom]

@@RocketToTheMoose It was in 1987.

[@Mitch24magic]

RePost: I was in VF-21 and a AO3 in 1986. We where on board CV-64 doing work ups/night ops when one of our F-14s had a turkey feather ramp strike. The pilot went to full AB and the ass end of the aircraft became a huge ball of flame. The pilot pulled up and did a slow bank to port. I swear I can still hear our air boss commander Southgate yelling save the bird ,save the bird, come back around, erect the barricade, erect the barricade then just seconds later the Rio and pilot punched out and the bird dove into the water. I was amazed at how fast it went under the water. One second it was flying and burning bright as daylight out and the next second it hit the water and went back to pitch black. We where finding FOD for days.

[@jeremyespil6297]

04:56 I was with VMFA-312 on the Enterprise the night that Prowler hit the Viking in the landing area. The S-3 was spun around and into a bunch of Hornets in the six pack. Unfortunatly the aircraft was inverted when the crew tried to punch. We only recovered a partial body of one of the NFO's. One of the worst nights of my life.

[@jhorn3405]

I've seen several of your videos and have enjoyed, or should say, appreciated them. I worked the flight deck on the USS John F Kennedy, CVA-67. I am a Plank Owner and served from 1968 - 1971. My first 9 months I worked the catapults, then transferred over to V-1 division Crash and Salvage where I served the remainder of my 4 years. The flight deck is an extremely dangerous place. I have witnessed death and injuries and have been injured, fortunately not seriously. These videos bring back memories.If I remember correctly, between commissioning and the end of our first Med cruise we lost 14 planes and several of their crew. It's sad, but a brutal reminder of the danger, not only in Naval aviation, but the military in general. Thanks for the videos and hope to see more.

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

Punching out, then having your entire crew land on the flight deck, under good parachutes has to be one of the best feelings in the world.

[@WarHoover]

That single survivor of the S-3 waist cat left roll-off ended up being one of my commanding officers.

[@Dadzilla2]

WOW, talk about bringing back some memories. Did my time from 79 to 83, with 3 years on the flight deck of the USS America as an ABH. I worked mostly nights for a couple of cruises cause I liked the night work. Slept right below the #2 wire an felt each jolt as they landed. After awhile your able to sleep right through it all. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertsiefker417]

@wardcarroll I was aboard USS Franklin D Roosevelt, CVA-42 for two of these incidents. The VF-14 F-3H (1:05 minutes) was not a cold cat. The cat never fired. The holdback shear pin ("dogbone") broke when he went to burner. It took him a few seconds to realize what was happening and power down. He stood on the brakes but the deck was wet and he slid sideways. He brought power back up to straighten out but it was too late. The F-8U (3:01) incident happened exactly as you describe. The story was that the pilot's VF-11 squadron mates ragged him for landing with one hand on the stick and one hand on the face curtain. His response "I'm here, ain't I?"

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

Thank you for sharing these Ward. They help reinstate to anyone who sees them just how dangerous being a Navy fighter pilot can be. It is a reminder to be so very thankful for the hard work, sacrifice, dedication and risk all these crew put in. I thank them all for their service and sacrifices to keep us free and safe. You as well sir.

[@howegav]

That was a tough video to watch. The risks these aviators face are great and their bravery massive. You commentary helpful, and highlighted the risks and the overwhelming courage of these men. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

[@ericvadekro8334]

Huge respect for all crew involved in carrier operations

[@darrenlsapp]

I was a yellow shirt onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for the S-3 barricade landing shown at 11:00 minutes. They had most all the flight deck crew go below and kept a few of us behind the island ready to man firehose teams if needed. At that point, our young crew had conducted probably 35 or 40 barricade drills so we were ready when they broke out the brand-new white barricade. The crew did a great job, and I'm sure that pilot had to muster all his courage to bring that Hoover down. After it landed, we ran out ready for a potential fire but found what looked to us like a perfect barricade trap.

[@jasonwebb7574]

Thanks for bringing us these clips, they show the risks inherent in naval aviation and, as such, reflect on the quality of the men and women who go to sea and fly in the defence of us all. You also deserve commendation for the respectful way that you present the clips, you strike exactly the right tone.

[@chuckstickney5470]

Amazing compilation. Some of those mishaps I know personally and some I’ve never seen. I think it is worth noting that both Naval and Marine Aviation suffered zero fatal mishaps in FY20. A feat never accomplished. Our equipment gets better, our people get better and our processes get better. It is what we do.

[@dougcoombes8497]

As a kid some of the most profound moments I had were listening to family and friends who were US Navy vets talking about some of the stuff they had lived through in WW II. Like being attacked by Kamikazes while supporting invasions and being caught in cyclones. You got some sense from their tone of voice, facial expression and body language just how serious these experiences were and the permanent imprint they left on the sailors. Watching these videos brings home just how close to the edge Navy personnel exist even in peacetime.

[@andymacone]

So sad to see some of the crew’s that lost their life’s ☹️🙏 thank you and your family for your service ❤️

[@briand4000]

Amazing coverage, sir. Thank you and eternal peace to those lost in pursuit of such unforgiving and challenging work.

[@tyjones5019]

The pilot whose right seater punched out but stayed with the plane even though temporarily blinded is one cool SOB!

[@markgiltner7358]

Been kinda wondering what that conversation is like

[@danmacgowan8242]

@@markgiltner7358 if that is the incident I remember from my time in S-3 Vikings, the co-pilot punched out and they found out that his seat was in Command Eject and the pilot should have been punched out also, but the seats were misconnected. All the seats had to be inspected on all S-3's for the safety issue.

[@asshole94]

i was a wardroom cook on the stennis from 98 to 02. the pilots were some of my favorite people. i know the feeling was mutual. in fact, carrier air wing 9 gave me a nam before i left. my own command didn't even recognize me.

[@BandDOutdoors]

With the miniscule amount of time these crews have to make the decision to eject it's amazing any of them get out at all. Love the Channel Ward. Great insight into Naval Aviation.

[@blyman7170]

especially when you know ejecting means the loss of a multi million dollar machine

[@kblackav8or]

Harrier launches off LHA/LHD's is also nutty to watch especially at night.

[@pinverarity]

Jaw-dropping. I’m the son of a Vietnam-era naval aviator and somehow I *still* can’t understand how my father did this for a living and was able to discuss it calmly years later.

[@nickh5081]

It's one thing to have to do a job as dangerous as this in peace time when take off and landing is the most dangerous part of your day - can only imagine having it be the start and end to a far more dangerous and horrifying day of combat over very hostile territory.

[@Touay.]

even knowing these are really old ... does stop that feeling of joy when you see the 'chutes .... or the sadness when you don't. hard, hard lessons.

[@Au60schild]

An outstanding job in both your digging up these clips and narrating them. Thanks for doing the job better than just about any other aviator could have.

[@bluesky0762]

Another great video. Really appreciate your presentation - calm, measured, well thought out - no wonder you were a good NFO. Also appreciate the chance to understand more about the amazing human achievement of carrier aviation. The fact that aircraft the size and weight of a Tomcat are still recovered using the same method as a tiny biplane on USS Langley is astounding.

[@johnmacias971]

That was JB Renninger pilot of the VS-24 S-3 that the CoTac punched out. Downed all S-3's in the fleet because it turns out the seat self/crew selector switch could be installed backwards and in that plane it was, so the CoTac seat was in self eject mode. LCDR Renninger was our Maintenance Officer when I was in VS-32.

[@donaldo20032003]

I was there.

[@kyledillard3496]

I witnessed two of the incidents on board the USS America. The VAQ-135 EA-6B cold cat that took the life of the pilot and the pilot from VA-72 who broke his pelvis when he ejected as his A-7 rode over the angle. I’ll never forget either one of them for sure.

[@randyporter3491]

I love these videos you provided. It's testament to the incredible danger and skill involved in carrier aviation. As a pilot, I'm just humbled by these incredible people. Your narration on these are spot-on and give excellent context. Thank you so much for sharing this insight.

[@rogerhuber3133]

Great video. I watched with great interest when you presented the C-1a A/C scenes as I flew the C-1a when attached to the Nimitz Pre-com Unit and TAD to VRC-40. Loved that little darling! That C-2 landing was amazing!

[@seanbyrne3061]

US Naval Aviators are the worlds best, hands down. Semper Fidelis

[@XCarfaxAbbeyX]

Really enjoying your walking us thru these and your teaching (especially the Hultgreen mishap). Thank you!

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

Great eerie music.4:12 was amazing Ward. You must really spend a lot of time assembling these videos. Thank you for your service and this great channel.

[@Molly8014]

Quoting the last scene from The Bridges of Toko-Ri, "where do we get such men?"

[@invoxicated]

I served aboard USS Oriskany with VA-155 during the Vietnam war. Saw my share of flight deck mishaps. Its scares me today to think of how dangerous working on a carrier flight deck is. I never though that much about it back then. A salute to all those who lost their lives while serving aboard these mighty war ships. Semper Fortis.

[@1roanstephen]

Ward, I stumbled across your channel and I subscribed because it is so well done. I am a retired USAF F-4 WSO and I appreciate your expertise in Naval Flight Ops. In today's USAF fighter world there is little appreciation for what us WSOs brought to the table. It is nce to see the Navy appreciated its RIOs more.

[@richardmaddock147]

Blue skies to those who lost their lives. Amazing footage that EVERY aviator should see and reflect on. Thanks for sharing.

[@68fmj51]

Hard to watch knowing some didn’t survive. My hat is off to all you men and women who serve on a carrier. You are my heroes.

[@tscott6843]

Thanks for the history lesson. Unless you’ve worked carrier ops you really can’t know how thin the line is between life and death.

[@dougbourdo2589]

Excellent video Ward as to the extreme conditions and Dedication to Professionalism of these air crew. Amazing.

[@55StudebakerSpeedster]

I watched an EA6b get a cold shot from the port waist cat and very glad that all four crewmen got good ‘chute. The plane guard Helo had them back aboard in less than 10 minutes. A fine example of Naval Aviation demonstrating professionalism in the face of adversity.

[@juliakarczewski8875]

Any survivors from these disasters are absolutely amazing. Condolences to those who were lost.

[@GARDENER42]

Naval aviation has always carried a significantly a greater risk than other forms of flying. Those who choose this path have my utmost admiration.

[@davidtyler3221]

Hello I am a former USS Midway member i served from November 82 through December 88 I have unfortunately seen a few mishaps during my time on Midway i was there from march 83 to June 86. Three I.O. cruses I appreciate this video it bring back many good as well as bad memories That time always makes me proud of my service It was probably the best times of my life Oh I was a grape .Have a good one

[@nomoreprospecting]

I was aboard the USS Midway - 1980 to 84 -- worked on the flight deck and had many ramp strikes and both Port and Starboard Cats mishaps. I was with V-1 Division. Thanks for your coverage Ward.

[@scullystie4389]

I remember reading about the A6 partial ejection in an issue of (if I recall correctly) Approach Magazine, as told by the flight crew. Absolutely harrowing stuff.

[@ronjones-6977]

That was amazing. "So, you fly in an A6?" "Nope, I fly ON an A6......literally."

[@musicmanfelipe]

Lt Keith Gallagher on the Abraham Lincoln. Ward, you need to do an episode about this one.

[@oldsalt4798]

I was onboard Nimitz in 2001, in my shop just under Cat 3 hookup, when the COD caught the wire, but slid over the side and was just hanging by the hook. No casualties, but the foreign ambassador on board was shaken up.

[@andyprocter4680]

Appreciate all u guys do for us! Thanks, Ward!

[@michaelmartinez1345]

These crews - have incredible courage. The potential for an accident is high, but they still do it because they are dedicated... Thank You for this excellent presentation Ward... Your channel is Awesome!!!

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Thanks for sharing this footage Mooch. Total respect for Carrier pilots. They can’t mail it in like most people. They have to show up and perform no matter the circumstances.

[@ElsinoreRacer]

Knew a Vietnam-era A4 pilot and later an Air Boss and were talking (RA-5) Vigilante. He told the story of a RA-5 pilot who always got it down but it always looked bad. Real bad, but he was consistent in his own way and never broke anything so it just went on. So some very senior former RA-5 back-seater comes aboard and elects to ride along with this guy. Former Air Boss says, "You know, it occurred to me as they turned final, you really can't see out of the back seat of those things. All you have is a little portal out to the side.... maybe we should have briefed him... so I'm watching and yep, he ejected 100 feet off the fantail. He was even madder when he learned the RA-5 landed safely."

[@hoosierdaddy8002]

My cousin served on the Midway in the 70`s. He had some great stories serving on board and about the pilots. Brave men.

[@ShanesHobbyShop]

I was stationed onboard the USS Midway from 89-92. I loved watching flight ops on our TV in the berthing. Thanks for the video