Code Brown: Hawkeye Edition

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
07/11/2016 at 15:16 • Filed to: planelopnik, code brown

On March 18, 2016, this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! was coming in for a landing aboard the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (CVN 69) when the arrestor cable snapped. Despite the Hawkeye being slowed by the cable, the pilot was able to keep the plane out of the ocean, though they probably got their feet wet in the process. The US Navy investigation into the incident that injured 8 sailors blamed human error for improperly programming the arresting valve on the #4 wire. This video is a terrific example of why carrier aircraft land under full power in the event of such a mishap.

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DISCUSSION (20)

Sneaky Pete > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 15:24

Wow, maximum poopy pants!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 15:33

“Hi there this sky hook, we are going to come around again so make sure you have your cables tight this time.”

ttyymmnn > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
07/11/2016 at 15:35

I have to wonder if one of the older gen Hawkeyes could have saved that.

vicali > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 15:36

The flashing “ F ” is a nice touch..

ttyymmnn > vicali
07/11/2016 at 15:39

I hadn’t noticed that. Does that stand for, “fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck?”

vicali > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 15:44

that’s my guess too.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 15:49

Wow, in the video it looks like they put the gear up as soon as they noticed they’re going for a swim.

If that’s the case, that’s some amazing decision making skills that probably saved the plane if they did tap the water.

ttyymmnn > Flyboy is FAA certified insane
07/11/2016 at 15:58

I would imagine that the copilot has his hand on the gear lever just in case as a matter of practice. It also shows just how high the deck is from the surface of the water. Clearly, all the practice paid off.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 16:10

You know, that would make sense. I wasn’t really sure of procedures other than the stop-at-full-thrust thing

Thomas Donohue > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 17:54

Wow, now that is a good save. In the bottom right of the video you can make our a few sailors running towards the edge as the plane goes over the side. When they see him come back into view, it looks like lots of hands in the air and applause.

If I recall correctly, the Navy has a ‘no alcohol’ policy for ships at sea, with the exception of ceremonial or very special occasions. I hope someone had the sense to give that pilot a glass of scotch after he was debriefed about the go-around.

ttyymmnn > Thomas Donohue
07/11/2016 at 17:58

I don’t know about such a policy, but definitely an extra ration of rum for the air crew for that one. And 15 lashes for the cable crew.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 18:15

Wow, looks like it was almost stopped and at the end of the deck when the cable snapped. That looks to be a shorter takeoff roll than when they get cat launched. On that note I’m willing to bet $100 $1 that it is possible to get a late model Hawkeye off a carrier without a catapult.

ttyymmnn > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much
07/11/2016 at 18:28

Hell, Jimmy Doolittle (and his squadron) got a B-25 off the Hornet without a catapult, so I’ll bet you’re right.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much
07/11/2016 at 18:38

Minimum takeoff roll is listed as 1850 ft, but that’s not taking into account the carriers speed and the speed of the headwind. It would be close, but I’d bet you are correct.

sunnydaysam > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 19:06

man! What a helluva save! I noticed the pilot kicked hard left rudder immediately to get out of the way of the boat. One of those things you do in the moment.

sunnydaysam > Flyboy is FAA certified insane
07/11/2016 at 19:16

I noticed that too. shows great CRM in the USN. These people must practice until they’re blue. that was so quick no way anybody would have time to think.

sunnydaysam > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 19:18

well, maybe 15 lashes for the cable supplier. ;)

ttyymmnn > sunnydaysam
07/11/2016 at 19:32

I just watched Master and Commander last night, so I’m in a sort of early 19th century naval discipline mode.

coqui70 > ttyymmnn
07/11/2016 at 22:00

Air Boss: “Fuck”

Deck Chief: “What in the Holy Hell Fuck which one of you Numbnuts set the FUCKING VALVES WRONG!!!”

Co-Pilot: “Power, Power, Power ... POWER!!! GEAR UP!!!”

Pilot: “Relax ... my name Jose Jimenez ... me no crash today nooooo”

McMike > ttyymmnn
07/12/2016 at 13:13

Watched the video before reading the text. I was on the edge of my seat waiting those 5-6 seconds for the Hawkeye to resurface.

WHEW!

Pilot was probably like, “Finally, I have a cool story to tell to shut those fighter jocks up”