F-14 Tomcat's Radome Smashes Into the Pilot's Canopy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
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In November 1991, while flying from the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Persian Gulf, a VF-142 F-14B lost its radome when the latching mechanism failed as the airplane was executing a supersonic dash. The radome hit the forward half of the canopy and shattered the front cockpit windscreen, breaking the pilot's right collarbone and partially blinding him, especially in his right eye that was badly cut. The pilot, LCDR Joe "Reb" Edwards, ably assisted by his RIO, LCDR Scott "Grundy" Grundmeier, showed amazing professionalism and airmanship by bringing the jet aboard the ship for an "OK 3-wire" landing in spite of the fact that he was injured, his forward visibility was severely restricted, and he couldn't communicate because his mask had been damaged by the impact of the radome. After landing, LCDR Edwards was medevac'd to Bahrain for eye surgery. He later became a NASA astronaut, eventually spending 8 days in space aboard the Space Shuttle. Both Tomcat crew members received Distinguished Flying Crosses for how they handled the emergency. The mishap investigation revealed that the radome latching mechanism had failed due to improper maintenance procedures. The aircraft was ultimately returned to flight status at a cost of $120,000.
"Reb" Edward joins this episode to tell his story in his own words.
I was the flight surgeon who initially took care of LCDR Edwards in the flight deck battle dressing station. Incredible feat. Glad he got to fly in the shuttle.
Doc: thanks for taking such great care of Reb!
So I assume Reb fully recovered from all of his injuries? What about his right eye? Also, was the latching mechanism a “one off” issue or did the navy have to conduct an “extent of condition” review of F-16’s to make sure it would not happen again?
@@daveprsn This is from one of the many pieces of info on this incident..."It’s too lengthy a story to tell here, but after landing on the ship, I found that my eye’s iris had prolapsed and extended out of my eye through a 3 mm cut in the cornea. I was medevac’d to the International Hospital of Bahrain where surgery was performed on my eye. I was released 10 days later."
Oh, and his arm was broken as it turns out.
Did he get his vision back? This story is up there with the BAC 111 pilot who was hanging out of the cockpit on a flight that lost its windscreen.
I deleted my comment because I lost focus on what this is about, the heroic and brilliant action of Reb in saving himself, his RIO, and my plane. 😂I was envious of the flight surgeon who treated Reb on the flight deck. Not becoming a flight surgeon when it was offered is one of my life's regrets. Nuf said.
Blind in one eye, glass in the other, broken bones in his torso, and leaning his head out the left side of the busted up canopy to spot the ball and catch a 3-wire. What a fucking badass.
That says it all
For a good sea story he would be blind in one eye, deaf in the other....
I think I want to have his baby.
I'd heard the story a few times before, but never from the man himself. Was great to hear the first person version. Loved how calm and methodical he was. That's great training and great poise. No wonder he went on to become an astronaut!
Like a boss!
I am a 94 year old lady who thrives on naval aviation stories. Listening to your description of a rio's required abilities is appreciated so we can really understand what you men are required to know and preform. The "incident" of the Tomcat's pilot canopy and landing was chilling. Thank you for being the man you are and what you have done and continue to do.
Thanks for your support, Pat!
The guy says he'll never fly again and he goes on to fly the space shuttle. What an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.
He also said there he was blind on one eye and it was dead and white - well, turns out he still has two healthy eyes. Probably was just the shock making this a bit more dramatic for him.
He felt that he was too injured and wouldn’t medically be cleared to fly again.
@@kontoname certain types of impact against the eye ball can cause temporary blindness and make it look all sorts of horrors. if anything shock probably made him more attuned to actual details, and not over dramatic.
This was my first cruise. I was a young airmen that was still amazed about everything that happened onboard a ship. I spent many of my hours off duty in vultures row and I was up top and watched this e tire thing unfold. I took as many photos as I could grab and turned my film over to the photo department where the developed them and returned a copy of the film for myself. I was too young and inexperienced at the time to realize the skills and talent that pilot had to bring together at that moment to get on deck safely. I've spent my entire life in Navy aviation and to this day I remain amazed as to what I witnessed that day.
Was my second cruise. I didn't see the mishap itself, but I made a lot of passes by the bird when it sat in the bay afterwards. Like you, I'm amazed that had the ending it did...
I was in VF142 when this happened. Mr Edward's and all the officers mentioned Adm Cross and Cdr Gallagher and Lcdr Grundmeier were and im sure are still class a professional naval officers.
I was with the Pukin Dogs IWT shop on that cruise. Was on deck with our alert jet when Mr Edwards did his first pass down the left side of the ship. Did a double take when I saw the radome missing. We did an emergency pull forward to clear the landing area and then was ordered off the deck until after they trapped.
Hey Jon Clinton, my years get mixed up, wasn't that the second cruise in the gulf for us?
I was on the bow cats that cruise. Was on the flight deck when he landed. To this day if I see something about Tomcats I always look for the picking dogs.
Glad I found your channel. My Dad was a F-4/F-14 Rio in the 60’s-70’s c/s Bushwacker, or typically just, “Bush.” He passed away this last January. VF-103, VF-124, VF-101, and VF-1. He reached 90,000 ft in the Phantom, ejected from a Tomcat over the Indian Ocean, flew CAP for the evacuation of Saigon, and was an instructor at Miramar. He was also a great father and grandfather.
My condolences. Sounds like an awesome guy.
ejecting from an F14 is a rite of passage into the actual mile high club.
Sorry for your loss. There are dads and there are "Super" dads. Sounds like you and I were both blessed with the "Super" versions! My dad was with the 5th Army Air Corp in the Pacific during WWII.
Vf124 83-87. Best years of my life.
Sounds like he was quite a man. You honored him by your post.
Ward is slowly transitioning into a much more badass Mr. Rogers
Instead of slipping into a sweater and slippers, he slips into a flightsuit and boots.👍
😂
I can see it as he swaps boots for shower slippers as he sits in the hanger bay 🤣
@@joekurtz8303 🤣
@@joekurtz8303 :-)
Best rendition of an actual emergency with detailed sequences I've heard. Fly the airplane, number one rule when issues occur. Then reason out what steps to take for the best outcome. All the airmen involved showed the results of training and dedication to their crews.
Roger that, Donald.
If I may add the perspective of someone who witnessed this from IKE's flight deck... I've told this story to countless friends over the years.
At that time I was Catapult Captain for Cat 3 on IKE. Captain Cross was an amazing CO. What I recall is that we had just wrapped the Waist, and aircraft were still cycling off the Bow Cats. The Air Boss came over the 3MC, calling the flight deck crew to the Barricade hatch. While we were all racing in that direction, and prepping the Barricade to be run out and hooked up, the Air Boss let us know that we had a severely damaged Tomcat inbound, and that "We are giving him one shot at this... if he bolters, I want the barricade up immediately, as soon as he clears the deck. Don't wait, he won't have much time to make another attempt". It was the most professional I'd ever heard him address us on the deck, and there was little doubt amongst those of us at the Barricade hatch that this was serious.
When we saw Reb's aircraft on approach, you heard a smattering of "holy sh*t", and "Oh my God" comments, and then dead silence. It was clear he was in trouble. I think every last one of us expected him to bolter. When he caught that 3-wire, it was stunned silence. Navy Pilots had always been impressive to me. I hold them in the highest regard for their insanely fine tuned skills. But that landing was literally what kids today refer to as 'next level'. It was awe inspiring. Please pass my utmost respects to Reb.
You should do a video about the trip we took to the North Atlantic on our way home from the Gulf. Those were some messed up flying conditions.
ABE 3 Jones
I heard that also and if I remember right, be told us all to stand way back from the foul line.
“Carrier landings are really hard”
“Okay ... now try it injured, with your head out the window like the family dog on vacation”
Epic.
Exactly.
If you pass that, then tomorrow same again in the dark, and the lights turned off on the carrier!
@Thunderbolt He ended up becoming a NASA astronaut and flew on the space shuttle as Pilot(right seat) of Orbiter Vehicle OV-105 Endeavour. His eye injury didn't hold him back. Medical evals don't get any more strict than astronaut medicals.
@@hoghogwild wow! An amazing story! Thanks for this input.
And still got 3rd wire hook. No wonder he became a shuttle pilot. They figured he could land the thing even if the computer was completely down.
I was on the deck when that happened. Never forget seeing that Tomcat with no nose! Even caught the 3 wire!!!
If memory serves, the pilot got out without opening the canopy (cause it was gone) but the RIO had to wait until they opened it.
It was an AMAZING piece of flying!
Thanks for the video.
I was on that deployment. You knew something ‘interesting’ was going down when the ‘CAG LSO to the platform’ 1MC announcement was made. Then they shut down the PLAT feed to ship’s TV so if you could you went to the ready rooms to watch the PLAT on 9TV. There was a collective gasp on the ship when they flew that first pass. Vulture’s row filled up to watch the actual trap and you could hear through your yellow cushies and over the jet noise the rapid-fire clicks of dozens of 35mm SLR camera shutters snapping away. They didn’t want the photos to get out but at our next port visit in Dubai everyone took their film rolls to the local photo shops for processing. Within an hour, the shops had made copies for themselves, blew them up to poster size and posted them all over town for sale. There were so many and were so detailed, the mishap board probably could’ve completed their investigation just by buying and analyzing the photos off the street.
This reminds me of an experience I had in Bahrain shortly after the successful conclusion of Gulf War I. The RAF had compiled a video of their experiences in the war and I somehow managed to get a copy. I took a copy to the local video shop on Budaiya Road, asked the guy to copy it. I enjoined him to the strictest confidence saying the tape was Top Secret. Only for him to reply saying, "Sir the RAF just asked me to prepare 1000 [or another large number] copies for their friends". So much for strictest confidence!
Just an old retired mortarman here, I enjoy your stories and have great respect for the skill and courage all of you and your brethren had flying these fantastic machines. Thank you sir!
This guy is an absolute stud. Flying the ball with one eye and and a no front view of the carrier with an injured body. Truly remarkable.
Mooch, I had heard of Reb's canopy story but didn't know the details until now. He was my section lead on our '84-'85 Med cruise. Grundy and Weasel were also in the Pukin' Dogs back then. I hope this isn't considered dog-piling on Reb, but one night on cruise he was flying with Rocky in his back seat and they were being controlled by a destroyer, so Rocky had the Tacan tuned to the destroyer's channel. When it was time to recover back on the Ike, Rocky failed to tune the Tacan back to the Ike's channel and they set up their holding pattern off of the destroyer instead of the Ike. Reb later said he thought it was odd that he didn't see any other airplanes in the marshal stack. When it came time to push, he shot his approach to the small boy and got fairly close before he realized it was the wrong ship. In his haste to get to the Ike, (burner), one of his engines blew up and he ended up flying a single-engine night approach to the ship. He ended up getting either an air medal or DFC for that also. I also get a chuckle when he returned from his shuttle mission. After exiting the shuttle, they end up in a room to take their boots and gear off. Reb is sitting in a recliner and someone offers him a glass of OJ. He was in the process of unlacing his boots so he lets go of the glass to resume unlacing and the cup falls to the floor. The guy who handed him the cup says "welcome back to earth".
Mr. Carroll, I was a Navy AC2 working in Ike’s CATCC that morning and remember it like it was yesterday. Once the island PLAT camera zoomed in on Dakota 205 on one of his first passes everybody in Airops and CCA almost in unison said, “Where the hell is his nose?” We turned on the Bullseye/SPN 41 and the ACLS/SPN42 to hopefully provide him some “needles.” I never really heard much about him afterwards. Looks like some glass in the eye and a busted collarbone does well for your career! BRAVO ZULU 205. Ike CATCC 89-92 best in the fleet. Just found your channel. Good stuff.
Great to hear from you, shipmate. And awesome work with the needles. As you heard, Reb credits you with getting him aboard. BZ!
Hey Shipmate, I was also there but without the first hand visuals you had. I was an EM2 nuke, don't remember exactly where I was, but I do remember walking through the hanger bay and seeing the plane and being amazed at the pilots ability to land it. Ward mentioned Capt. Cross, who I believe had the call sign of "HULK" ironically due to his short stature. Glad to hear that Reb went on to be successful in his career afterwards. IKE RX dept, RE div 88-93.
Bill, can you explain the "needles" thing a little bit more? Having a hard time picturing what he was talking about there. If you have the time, of course.
@@expert_fretwork The needles referenced were the ILS/ACLS components in the aircraft that are used for instrument landings at night and in bad weather. It was a clear day and the systems were evidently not on initially since all the planes were operating Visual Flight Rules. Bill&Co. turned on the systems to give every helpful bit of information to the pilot.
Since he was largely 'head-down' in the instruments (they teach you to fly IFR in a 'Hood' or blinded cockpit condition as part of IFR training) the ILS was pretty much the most important part of his getting into the approach and on-speed with the other instruments being a little sketchy. Once he was close enough he could fly the ball visually.
After all that the plane still performed ( his talent, composure, training and excellent Navy team work helped tremendously). Grumman Iron Works!
Yes, Grumman Iron Works indeed! Grumman knew how to design very rugged aircraft for the navy, in fact, the last of the designs from the legendary "Iron Works", the E-2, is still in service, right now.
I was in VAQ-140 that cruise. I worked the deck at night and missed that trap. Great airmanship bringing the broken bird home being injured. Later on the same cruise, I could not believe that we were flying with those huge waves in the North Sea. This is one of things that separate Navy pilots from the Air Force pilots. Land it on a pitching, rolling, moving target at night.
Officer Edwards in spite of his injuries maintained the status of his titanium testicles. Being a retired MD I am amazed what he was able to accomplish. So glad he is here to relate his ordeal.
Ben Hua, Vietnam 1968 as a Huey pilot we had some hairy scary times, but Reb's retelling of this mishap kept me glued to your video...
The part of this story that keeps making me sick to my stomach is the thought of how the plexiglass shards in this eye, face or torso would have migrated during a split second at 12Gs if he'd given up on landing and punched out. Saving the airframe is an accomplishment but the dude probably also saved his own eye.
Yeah, I remember a few years ago, a drunk driver broadsided my car, and the driver's window just exploded inwards. I had glass in my left eye and couldn't see, my face was covered in blood, and my head had snapped so hard to the left I hurt my neck and could barely turn my head. I heard this and thought, multiply that by 1,000, and then land an F-14 on a carrier! Holeeey SHIT!
This is what having "The Right Stuff" is all about. Great to hear the Navy has such pilots.
Well they been at it a while.
Great channel!
This air crew was so sharp! As a former USAF pilot, my hat is off to the skill, intelligence, training, and execution required of carrier aviators!
Amazing airmanship, skill, training and the “hand of God”👨✈️
It doesn't surprise me a naval aviator was able to land his jet on a ship in a less than desirable airworthy state. What did surprise me and was very happy to hear about was his eyesight returned and was able to keep flying. Was scared while I listened to the story about his deteriorating health as he flew and his injury's may keep him out of the cockpit, awesome outcome however, and also very happy to hear the rio was unharmed.
I was a 3rd class onboard when this happened. We heard (through the mess decks of course) it had been a bird strike, but regardless, the condition of that bird sitting in the hanger drew a crowd. I couldn't (and still can't) believe he landed it.
Military aviators are on another level. The recall memory of all the details you guys are capable of is incredible
Damn. What a story. A true testamate to the training, skills, and professionalism of everyone involved.
I remember this well. I was one of the Shooters on this cruise. I was in Arresting gear for this trap and yours. Very tense. Remarkable courage and airmanship. By the way, we were probably in VT-10 at the same time, not the same class.
I remember that day very well. As a young, wide eyed E-3 on my first deployment staring up at that jet in the hanger bay thinking "how the hell did he land that thing"?
I was the squadron AIC for the Ghostriders on that cruise and remember that day. I was in the Ready Room the whole time. Everyone was so astounded that Mr. Edwards was able to land the plane. I hadn't heard that he went on to be at Nasa. Thanks for that info.
As a former Marine grunt , we always knew you Aviators had our back , you never know when your day will explode ! We
always knew there is a special bond between Naval Aviators and the ground pounders ,much respect. Thank you Sir !
You're welcome, Brother.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
AIMD reporting in! I was assigned to HS-5 (the night dippers). I was an AT either E-3 or E-4 at that time. Someone came running through AIMD berthing screaming about an F14 about to crash on deck. I got to a T.V. ( I believe all T.V.s were tuned to the flight deck channel because of this ) just in time to see/hear him hit the deck. I was an I.F.F tech at the time and was really scared for awhile that I might have been the last person to service that piece of equipment and that I might have some responsibility for that mishap. Rumors were running wild for about 5-6 hours about exactly what had happened. Then the official story was released and I was so relieved that I had absolutely nothing to do with it.
I was ship enlisted crew on the Ike when this incident happened, and I distinctly recall hearing the Commander of the Air Wing being called to the LSO platform. I had never heard that before, and knew something wasn't right. Of course, I heard what happened, but it nice to know more detail even if its 30 years later.
I was in the 143 AE shop when this happened. I remember it to this day. Great to see a detailed account of what happened to the crew and aircraft. That handle was always stubborn, but we were trained never to hammer on it to get it to close. Thank you for the video.
What happens to a service tech that causes things like this?
@@nbit69 It was about 30 years ago but I think he went to what we called Captain's Mass. Basically its like going in front of a judge, jury, and sentencing all at once.
What an amazing story!
It immediately reminded me of another story with some similarities...
Anyway, in 1970 an Israeli Phantom flying an attack sortie in the Sinai desert was chased by mutiple SAMs, and eventually hit by a SA-3. The pilot suffered great damage, including one crushed arm.
The RIO radioed something like "Two got hit. Probably ejecting"
Long story short, pilot and RIO share the controls and manage to fly home and land the aircraft. They were both decorated for this event.
30 years later the RIO was my boss:)
Pretty incredible. Great to see the RIO never stopped doing his job. Broadcasting within 3 miles to coordinate was highly successful. Great job.
LOL. I love that he mentioned in passing that he caught the 3 wire. After all, he would've gotten a bad landing grade if he missed it.
My husband began following your videos several months ago. (Maybe over a year now)
Never thought of myself as an aviation enthusiast for the kind of cutting edge aeronautics such as you often painstakingly describe in detail, but sir, I will have to admit you have me hooked!
This video describes a kind of heroism Tom Cruise & Hollywood try to capture on the big screen - which we know is all made up - which our brave military men and women regularly deal with as just part of their "duty".
Two big hearty thumbs up from my husband and I!
In my Air Force days I had spent my last year or so supporting the fighter pilots at the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB in Nevada, great guys and much respect to all, thank you Sir 👍😁❤️
Thanks, Dave!
Thank you for your service, Dave! We Military Aviation geeks salute you!🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
@@johnosbourn4312 Military aviation geeks rock!
When were you at Nellis, Dave? I was there ‘78-79!
@@b1bmsgt I was there from 85 to 88
The ability to call up an astronaut will never cease to amaze me
He who dies with the most awesome Rolodex wins!
@@WardCarroll please understand I am going to college to become a real rocket scientist. I go to all the launches in Florida and have had the honor to meet some of the coolest personnel who did some of the coolest things (like you) it will never cease to amaze me how down to earth and normal astronauts are. you can find them wondering around the visitor complex at KSC sometimes. Last trip I met Travis Thomson the Closeout manager for a lot of the shuttle program. A LEGEND in my book. The man knew Günter Wendt! and Chris Cassidy , He got John Glenn off the orbiter after his flight. I bet his Rolodex is spectacular! I am sure you have made many wonderful friends and acquaintances in your time. I am not trying to diminish your accomplishments or anything. I hope to work with people of your caliber in my aerospace career . Although I will never have your musical abilities. :)
I'm retired now but I worked KSC headquarters building and every time I walked into the building I was always amazed by the reserve for astronaut parking right next to the handicap parking ,I've lived on merritt island since 1966 I've seen most of the launches and I'm still amazed by it all.
I remember this. I played an important role. But before i get to that I wanna tell a story about that liberty in Dubai.
.
I was pulling a flag staff tour. When we pulled into Dubai one of the other staff guys struck up a conversation with an older dude who had been serving on merchant ships since World War 2. So this is 1991 -- 1992 and this fellow had stories about supply runs to Russia in WW2. Fifty years later he was still at it.
.
So back to my 'important' role in the mishap :) The mood aboard ship was triumphant. The only thing I recall as similar is when the helo plane guard plucks someone out of the water, saving a life, bringing joy. My role? Amid the joy they sent me down to ask VF142's skipper, "how much is this going to cost?"
Number 3 wire under those conditions, amazing. Surprised they didn't rig the barrier.
Good work by the bridge crew, helmsman and throttleman, getting the ship turned and keeping her steady.
I love how actual people who were there pop into this channel and relate who they were and what role they played. It's amazing.
I half expected someone to say "I was the canopy that broke" LOL
Mad respect to you guys.
And always remember the fighterpilot's motto "A MIG on your tail is better than no MIG at all"
They all lie lol so many are claiming to have been there. Lol like really....is the entire crew in this comment section? Lol
I was a “Dog” back in the late 70’s. I made 2 cruises on the America and her first Med cruise on the Eisenhower. I worked Intermediate level electronics (fixing the boxes and components of the AWG-9 weapons sys). Just came across your channel a week or so ago and think your videos are great. It blew me away when you said you were attached to 143.
This episode is a perfect example of what TH-cam content can be at its best. Great intimate opener, a compelling story with appropriate imagery and an interview with the man who lived it. Keep it up. You’ll grow fast with this kind of content. I am not a Patrionon any channel, but you deserve as much help as possible to bring this content to a larger audience. So I’ll go over and add myself there when I get another free minutes. Coffee break over, back to work.
My thoughts exactly.
"At that point I knew I was never going to fly again"
Becomes an astronaut.
What a legend!
Mooch, Vega$ here. Great job. Thanks for giving air to the story. I remember that day and the unbelievable job Joe Reb and Grundy did to bring that jet home.
Holy shit, sir. Goosebumps listening to Reb recount that incident. Truly amazing. Love the episode.
I was on the deck crew when this happened (VS-31 Topcats). I remember the emergency pull forward of all aircraft aft and they ordered the deck cleared as the plane came in. An amazing landing, well deserving of the DFC.
Good to see you here, shipmate!
Proud V2 Div Vet on IKE. Thanks for the story and Go Navy!
So many learning points for us aviators to learn from. The thought process, drawing from previous experiences, step by step, trusting the system etc. Even in a degraded multi crew environment, each crew member performed their duties well to make this receovery a success
And I was there for that. VF-142 was my squadron. I was a Plane Captain. The Night Check Maintenance Chief was the one who told the maintenance guys to use a chock to get those latches closed.
Bad call by the chief.
@@WardCarroll can you tell us non naval aviators if “bad call” is directed at Scott for highlighting the cause of the problem or at the night chief? I’m interested in how situations like this should be talked about in ways (both during and after a hotwash/AAR etc.) that improve future outcomes.
@@PetesGuide No, talking about the chief’s guidance.
@@WardCarroll Doh! My Aspie brain fog missed the “by the chief”. Were the comments elsewhere here about the guy banging on the handle with wheel chicks accurate? I’m interested in your thoughts about how to screen idiots like that out before they get hired or deployed.
Wow the odds. That makes you the 344679 to claim to have been there. The entire crew is in this comment section lol the odds! Lol 😆 🤣
A GREAT example of the “Right Stuff” absolutely...WHAT A STORY! Thanks tor sharing!
Unbelievably calm under pressure. The professionalism and determination of the crew was remarkable and worthy of recognition.
Never heard of the “Dutch roll” in regard to a ship’s motion. As a merchant ship driver, I know exactly what the ship is doing when you say that
Could I ask you to explain what this is? Dutch Roll. It’s channels like Ward’s that are a healthy reminder of just how much there is to learn in this world, if you just take the time to ask. Cheers!
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_roll. Explains it better than I can!
Quite a bit different than a "Dutch Oven". lol
As I've mentioned before, Ward, I was also there in the Dogs during the first few months of 91 (my 3rd DS also and 2nd/last time in the Dog House) and I can remember seeing/hearing a few of these names being mentioned - but I had moved on before this 142 incident aboard IKE. Great Video! As always, Thanks for the Memories!
I was assign to the Ike when this occurred and I have to say at that time Ike was a well oiled machine. Captain Cross was an awesome C.O. that knew what he was doing (very smart man, an honor serving with him). Side note, the aircraft in question was repaired in time for the fly off when we returned to the states, a testament to AMID aboard Ike. BZ.
Great Story Ward. Helped me remember a pilot in VF32 land one in the Gulf with no engines. Pilot wrestled the plane to IKEs deck. I was a submarine officer standing watch in TFCC. Learned more about the Navy that 94-95 deployment than anyone could imagine. Go Navy.
Excellent commentary as usual, there’s so many questions from younger generation and I always point them to the Navy. My oldest went to the Marines my youngest win in the Navy. I could not imagine a better career. The life on an aircraft carrier also the life of a pilot and Rio 😎 I share all of your commentary definitely getting positive feedback. Thank you so much for your efforts! Keep up the good work God bless
Appreciate it, Jimmy!
I worked electro-mechanical maintenance on the Minuteman III weapon system. I recall a few instances in my four years where teams at our base or the other five bases which were part of the Minuteman missile mission having mishaps either within the missile silo or maybe forgetting a tool(s) within the hardened areas of the silo. The trouble they got in for that was very uncomfortable to imagine happening to me. That said I can only barely imagine what happened to the maintenance crew who broke the handle to the radome. That incident is miraculous no one died, the aircraft didn't end up crashing, or anything else other than a landing on deck. Salute to the pilot, navigator, and crew on the ship for their poise under pressure. They're incredible!
Our military needs more “Rebs.” Thanks for posting this amazing story.
Ward, I don't subscribe to many channels. You have earned my respect and attention. I'm just a civilian pilot and former flight instructor, so you military jocks were always my heroes. Your videos make me feel right there in the seat with you. I love that I am now the layman with some of the acronyms and jargon, just like I probably made some non aviation folks feel with some of MY stories and accounts. I am so glad you popped up into my recommended vids as I now have a new treasure of information. Top flight, Ward.
Absolutely amazing story. As he was going through the story I thought he should still be able to land. Then he said he was blind in one eye and had glass in the other I thought they have to eject. Just listening to him talk about the whole process of landing was mind-blowing how he did that. I would love to hear what his REO thought as this was all happening. You have to feel helpless sitting in the back and hope he can do this. Great stuff please keep it coming.
Good point re: the back seat perspective.
Thank you for this channel, It brings back so much. I was attached to VF-142 during that cruise. Two amazing pilots and great individuals. Captain Cross was one hell of a guy. I still tell stories about him
They better have gotten medals for that. I was a rescue swimmer in HS-5 and when we get robbed of a rescue, it better be worth it. :-)
Ward, I was on that deployment. I was with VFA-136 (Knighthawks) I remember that incident and recall seeing that jet after it recovered. Hats off to that aircrew, A miracle.
I remember reading this in the Approach magazine back in the day. Awesome airmen ship back to the boat, and the 3 wire to boot.
Thanks for bringing this story back to life.
GREAT to finally get some info on this! I was a 3rd class on Ike when this happened, and we heard it was a bird strike, but we all know how the mess deck information line works. I was ships company in AIMD at the time so didn't have much line to the squadron guys for better info. Thanks for filling in some gaps!
You’re welcome, Tommy.
@@WardCarroll There was actually a bird strike incident earlier in the cruise.
@@bigk5203 I was thinking it was toward the end of that cruise when we were up around the Fjords of Norway. Same squadron, VF 142, we had a sea gull go through a radome. I changed the radar antenna after that incident, I still remember the stench of fish and bird guts. Nothing but feathers and blood inside the radome.
It’s really encouraging to hear mishap stories that end positively as a result of talent and professionalism. Thanks as always for your content.
I was a P-3 guy for years. Definitely appreciate your content.
I actually have some co-pilot time in the P-3. Great airplane.
As a non-pilot, I am amazed at the professionalism displayed by the aircrew in this event. BZ!
True professionalism is always based on earnest respect and care for those you work with, you know if you stay calm focus on the task at hand it gives everyone the best chance of success and often survival. imo our Armed Forces represent the best of us, the type of people ever American should aspire to become, they always have my utmost respect o7
Those DFCs were rightly deserved. Also great work by the crew on the deck bringing this wounded bird down safely. Landing on the carrier is hard even when everything is working as intended. Doing it in those conditions was a true mark of mastery. Amazing professionalism. Thanks for sharing this story!
I was in AIMD on the IKE when this went down, I was so relieved when they made it back aboard
I as their also, I worked catapults.
Amazing story...the part of doing a qualitative evaluation despite the injuries and desire/pressure to land immediately, an amazing testament to the discipline and professionalism of test pilots, and all US Naval Aviators. Bravo Zulu. Thanks for sharing.
I remember that. I was stationed on the Ike. I was on cat 1. All I can say is wow. I had almost forgot about that. I actuly still have a newspaper article about it my mother sent me. I remember they got everyone on the flight deck ready to rig the barricade if it came down to it. But they did an awesome job catching the wire on the first pass.
Wow the odds. That makes you the 344679 to claim to have been there. The entire crew is in this comment section lol the odds! Lol 😆 🤣
I was a sub mechanic in A-gang. All our maintenance had to be top notch. I was told one of my repairs failed on the stern planes hydraulic ram while the boat was underway. I was so disappointed in myself for letting my shipmates down on that repair. I followed the repair instructions to the letter, but the tool/parts list was inaccurate in the manual and the required packing failed under aggressive load during angles and dangles. I’m sure the maintenance crew on his bird felt awful that the almost cost 2 pilots their lives and one his career.
What an amazing story. Really points to the level of training, and professionalism. I hope this is a teaching case for upcoming naval aviators of how to work the problem and teamwork; he really had to have faith in the crew on the ship to be ready for him, without being able to communicate. I also really liked his practicing the landing multiple times including a wave-off to make sure that he and his aircraft were ready. I assume his vision improved since he flew the shuttle later? Probably would have been a good idea for the rio to tap him on the shoulder to let him know that he was in communication with the ship. I love the idea of hanging his head out the window like he’s flying a sopwith camel.
I remember going up to the hanger bay afterward during that deployment and looking at that Tomcat and the damage.
I was a Tomcat airframer from 1988-1992 at VF-124, I remember those radomes being such a pain in the butt to secure! The weather seemed to have an effect on how easily or how difficult it was to achieve closure on them, kinda like the daily doors on the engine nacelles. Beating on the latches was not a practice we used at the RAG. What a miraculous recovery by LCDR Edwards! I love watching and listening to these stories from the aircrew's perspective, it's not something us ground pounders were privy to back in the day.
This is why pilots train so they can follow the procedures blind... because one day you might have to and it will save your and other's lives.
Much respect.
This story is awesome. I say that because I was onboard "Ike" at this time working as a P&E and I was the one that repaired that A/C allowing it to be returned to flight status.
Nice!
"Won't Get Fooled Again" - I think that's a theme for our times. Also, great story, as usual.
I got it too - thanks to the theme of CSI. Took a few minutes into the vid to get it out of my head. "The Who" wrote a nice little masterpiece back then, a few decades ago.
Major SNAFU. Glad Reb & Grumby (hope I got that right) were able to successfully trap. As the old line goes, "Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing.
I continue to enjoy your channel Ward! With all that those two had to go through in the cockpit to safely land their plane was incredible! Blind in one eye, swelling arm/shoulder and the RIO staying low out of the wind - unbelievable. Great to hear it from the man himself! I recently purchased Dave's book and am reading it now - great book!
Just an amazing story. Glad for the positive outcome. Love your channel thanks for bringing such great content each and every episode.
That was a riveting story. Amazing airman-ship. I knew a "Captain Cross". He was our XO aboard Theodore Roosevelt, in 1988-90.
"I survived the Cross" was the mantra after he left Ike. The morning history lessons over the 1MC... good lord.
What a harrowing experience!!! And, of course, he handles it like a true professional and a true hero.
I really appreciate your videos Mooch(I hope you don't mind me calling you that). I've been an aviation buff all of my life. I unfortunately never learned to fly and at the age of 71 I doubt that it will happen. Being able to enjoy your videos, for me, is the next best thing. Thanks.
And by the way, that Les Paul sounds great!!!
Call me Mooch, Ray. Thanks for watching.
Oh my god! Words can't describe how incredible a moment it is, that he landed that jet, with barely any incident and all those injuries. What's even more amazing is some of the commenters here who were also on that ship! So glad they made it home safe and he healed up to see again and be an astronaut!!!
These dits are so compelling - thank you for sharing them!
A great story highlighting how training and experience can overcome an emergency situation, saving lives not to mention airframes. I spot James Reilly in the astronaut photo, another Naval Aviator, former Pukin' Dogs RIO, whom I met some years ago during my petroleum geology days. One other comment -- "Tomcat Days" is an excellent book, I highly recommend it to viewers of this channel
Just ordered my copy of Punk's War. I look forward to reading it. I am a retired 30 year submariner but one of my best friends was a NFO who was my Company Officer while I was a SEL at the USNA. I look forward to reading the book!
I'm quite sure no one ever told you this before... you guys are amazing...
That guitar tone was perfect. I wasn't looking at my phone when the video started. I thought it was the original recording
Love your content, Ward! It's amazing getting an insight to the f14! Greetings from Sweden! 🇸🇪
I was on that cruise, IWT flight deck troubleshooter with one of the F/A-18 squadrons. I was on the flight deck when all this happened. I've told this story many times and I loved that we are able to hear it from the pilot and his success afterward which i have often wondered about. Just found your channel, love the content. Looking forward to future episodes.
I had the pleasure of working/flying with several TPS guys, both Air Force and Navy! Accomplished aviators and fine gentlemen 👨✈️
My DCS sim group is absolutely riveted to your channel Ward. Thanks for venturing onto youtube and giving us all this great content! Look forward to every upload! Been a great thing to look forward to during these pandemic days.
Damn, that guitar riff at the beginning was really awesome!
It's honestly always a treat to see your videos, as I've learned a lot from them!
As an Air Force vet and worked on KC-135s, B-52s, F-15s, and C-130s (ANG). I am impressed by how the Navy can do so much in such a tiny space. We had hardened shelters, taxiways, maintenance hangers & runways, and the Navy does it all on a "boat."
BTW I almost signed up to the Navy.
I was on the flight deck working as an AO on this cruise in the Puking Dogs. I worked mostly on the Cats. Thank God you guys made it back. I always wondered what actually happened.
I'm seeing a few Dogs in the chat. I was IWT. There were a few misshapps that cruise. 142 took a licking remember the bird strike in the north Atlantic? Also we had a AO get blown into the nets. Hope that wasn't you.