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back - - - > Keith Gallagher's A-6 Ejection Story Guestbook - Keith Gallagher's A-6 Ejection StoryPlease send feedback by sending an
e-mail to: mark@gallagher.com I was an A-6 BN with the Marine Corps from 1972-1976. Reading your story brings chills and long forgotten moments back to my mind. Though it is not as compelling as yours, I will share it 'cuz intruder computers never forget! My pilot and I had "flaperon pop-up" on takeoff roll at Iwakuni, Japan in an A-6A. The pocket manual only mentioned turning off the switch as a remedy. As in your case I flew with a s-hot stick who had the presence of mind (as we were passing 180 knots on the ground), to shove the stick forward, thus taking sufficient stress from the "weight on wheels switch" to allow us to jettison our drops. The plane pitched up to about 30 units AOA and the stall warning was blaring at us. We had a nasty sink rate and knew the old GRU-5 seat only had (as I remember) a 0-100 capability. At full throttle we eventually got to 1500' and were able to bring it on in safely. On the deck as flaps and slats were retracted, the flaperons dropped into place. Apparently a stuck hydraulic valve caused our problem. Our tech-rep mentioned a change in the procedure manual. I got out before I saw this addition. Just another perfect day in paradise! Phil Ruede VMA (AW) 533 July, 1975 Hope all is well, I have told this story many time's to my friends, it's > the most memorable thing that I experienced while in the Navy, (probably for you too)! Tracy Poole ABH 3 I came across the site again tonight and re-lived the old memories of that cruise in VA-95. I was the Operations Officer in VA-95 for that cruise and I was the Squadron Rep. called down to Carrier Air Traffic Control to represent the Squadron for the landing. I'd just landed in the previous recovery and was still at Maintenance control in my flight gear debriefing my plane when the call came it. Seems like yesterday. I've lost contact with Yogi over the years so please pass along my email address and my best wishes. I've had a chance to run in to Master a few times up here in Alaska, as well as Stretch and other Lizards who are now in with the airlines. I hope to be back down in Reno for Tailhook this September. It would be great if Keith were there. Thanks! Vadar CDR Randy Laws, USN (Ret.) Your story is amazing. As an Aerospace Technology teacher I plan on using your experience as part of a lesson on aviation and pilot training. I enjoyed the personal accounts from both you and Lt. Baden, my students have much to learn from you. A level headed response and quick thinking enabled this incident to end up inspiring Dana Vega Subject: Abe Lincoln, I was there I was an AW (aircrew) in HS-17. My squadron was the ASW and SAR compliment for the Lincoln from work-ups all the way through the end of her maiden voyage to San Francisco. I enjoyed your web site, especially the pictures of the Lincoln during my time onboard. p.s. Remember the Chilean Navy practicing T&G's on her deck? "Cut-cut!!" I don't know why I remember that, but it was hilarious listening to them. Fair winds and following seas. James Bell - JB I was stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln 1989-1992, Air Dept, Flight Deck-V3 V1. I was there, glad to know that u are still doing good....I would like to leave a message for one of my Shipmates (Daren Brooks, Alan Parker, Darien Barfield): Call me and let me know how u are!!!!!!! or any one else I served with who recognizes my name Jamie R Morris I heard of this story from John Coulson M.D., a flight surgeon on the Forrestal. I was talking to John about doing some kind of AC painting featuring an A6 and he told me of this incident. I sort of said to myself, "Sure". Then he sent me a picture and now I believe. Really incredible and thanks for sharing such a breathtaking story for such a routine mission. Bob Morris Guess what, your not alone. I just saw a program on on of the TV science channels were a pilot flying a Boeing jetliner also decided to inspect the exterior of his plane while in flight. In his case the pilot's window popped out do to incorrect maintenance and unusual design. Fortunately for him his feet stuck long enough for the flight engineer to grab then and a good co-pilot dropped altitude and speed as fast as possible and air traffic got them back on the ground immediately. FTG3 case Well I see that LT. Gallagher moved on to a great career. I was the plane captain on that day and I will admit that I was very scared for him Mr. Baden and myself. I don't talk about it much because it is a story that seems unreal and to this day it sometimes bothers me. You know, I have wondered what ever happened to Keith, and Mark Baden. I hope that they both have continued on to be the best at what they do! I cannot think that someone that has had a place in aviation history wouldn't otherwise. My name is Brandon Parrish. I live in Clovis New Mexico and I still think of what happened and what might have been that day. I did sign the guestbook a couple of years ago regarding the story on your website. I hoped to have heard from either one of them to see what they are doing now. Believe me when I say that I think that God was very much involved with that flight and that it was a miracle on the outcome. Mr. Baden is a superb pilot and Keith was a superb B/N. I hope that some day I can see or hear from them. Well at this time I have a 5 year old boy calling for me. Please pass along my regards and I really think that this is a neat site. My wife found the site while looking for info about the Lincoln. God Bless You, Brandon Parrish What a fantastic event and thank God this brave man survived. I served with the the Royal Navy aboard the carrier H.M.S. Albion and although some scary events took place nothing to compare with this stunning event. May this survivor have a long and happy life with his family. Colin Allison In the mid 1960s, I ejected from a T-33 near Tampa Bay, FL. I was enrout from Montgomery, AL when my Iraq student pilot unlocked the canopy. It obviously blew. We were at 25,000 ft with an indicated airspeed of about 400 knots. I was in the rear seat & had to eject due to wind velocities. The Iraq student pilot went in with the aircraft. I landed in the swamp & spent the night. I have been trying to find the number of ejections the USAF has had from all aircraft. No luck. There was an association of pilots who ejected but I cannot find it. I am a LTC Retired. Respectfully, R. Wayne Moorhead Keith, Good to have you still here! I had two tours in the A-6 between 1968 and 1975. In 1973 both my pilot and I survived a tree strike on a low level night training flight. My best to you! Gene Hall The statement that the AF never
experienced this type failure isn't really As a retired Italian Navy Pilot trained
in Pensacola, I must say: Cool site ! especially the crew
pictures. As a former jet engine Your cruise log was fascinating to read.
Was amazed at the number of WOW! What a story. And it
didn't even start out TINS. ;) I was a AO3 with VFA-94
"SHRIKES" during that same cruise. I remember that My husband was on the USS LINCOLN during
Desert Storm. He worked on the Wonderful story. God bless you
Keith and God bless your wonderful Navy Mr. Gallagher All I can say is that anyone who read's
this incredible story cannot deny Awsome story, Irish luck for sure!!!!!!!!! Christiane Lessard, December 15, 2005 Found your sight by doing a Goggle
search for one of my CVA 66 roommates My dad flew in the Navy for ten years so
I have heard lots of air stories. Keith, I want to thank bush pilot Steeve Taylor
web site for passing Ah, the good old days! I remember
standing on deck and watching the whole Worked the deck on the Saratoga with
VS-24 as metalsmith and QA back in I'm an AME1 teaching AME "A"
school (Ejection Seats)at CNATTU Norfolk, VA. I was trying to think of something
eloquent to write. Then I looked at the most-recent previous
contribution to this book. Mr. Jim Carney summed up my feelings very
well. My heartfelt thanks to you, those like you, and the families
who stand behind you all. You not only make our country great, you
set a fine example for us all. I just want to say thanks for fighting
for our country and keeping it free. I tried to enlist but had a bad heart
and never got to be in the service, GOD BLESS you all for what you did. Such an amazing story ! That's what is called putting you life on the line, you just never know what unforeseen thing is coming up next to take it away ! God bless you and all the rest of our service people . Herb.Ackley, It seems half of everything went wrong
and half went right whew close one. What a story. I am so glad that
you are alive. I spent most of my 21 years with the Airdales in VF's
and Carriers & air stations. One of my VF squadrons, VF-64 had a
AME2 working on a seat in the hangar bay, and it went off projecting him
through the canopy and up to the overhead of the hangar bay.
Unfortunately, he did not survive. We had F-8's at the time.
Still had the Martin Baker seats in them. You are the best. Never heard the story until I was
browsing through a website called truthorfiction.com. I am a Navy veteran of 8 years. I was an
ABE in V-2 division onboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson. I am now a WW2
historian and in my free time I collect WW2 artifacts. I just wanted to
take the time to thank you for the outstanding photos you have here. Also,
I would like to say that I'm glad you made it out of the ejection alive. I
respect you because being a fighter pilot is a very dangerous job and without
men like yourself, air superiority would be a thing of the past. My hat is
off to you. You're a great American. God bless and take care! Great site, i sat on a martin-baker J-5D
seat for more than 1000 hrs, and prayed nothing like you went would ever
happen & it didn't. but some of the new techs in the shop did install
a drogue shut carridge one time and when torgued shot the drogue thru the
roof and outside of the hanger. other than that all MB's I sat on worked
wonderfully, saving 8 crewmembers lives that i know. Take care Keith, love
your web site just sent it to my brother retired 30 yrs Navy Acft Master
Chief, SSG Michael Summerville, USA Thank God that the Martin Baker didn't
burn you up. Amazing story. Operations such as
carrier ops often bring stories of heroics, luck, skill, and lessons to
learn from. This story reminded me of the days when I read
"Approach" regularly. Without a doubt, it is men and women
just like you that put it on the line everyday that make our country great…..thank
you for your risking your life for my freedoms that I do hold dear….and
thanks to your family for in no small part do they “SERVE” as well and
their sacrifices are no less heroic in my opinion…..thank God for you
and those like you…. Hi Keith & Family, Came across your story when looking at landings (images) via google. I always thought that flying such aircraft would be a"blast" but your experience turns the expression on its head! An amazing survival - you also appear to have a lovely family and cute kids (my daughter is now 23 - so treasure and guide them every moment). Perhaps the experience has built on this and strengthens your family. All the best from here in New Zealand. I had read the story in an aviation
magazine, shortly after this incident happened. I would say Lt Gallagher
used up a lot of luck, surviving this hardluck ejection, without being
cripped. Thank you for the added information and details that were not
available in the hard copy I bought then. Definitely reality surpassing
fiction.
I was searching for Naval Safety Center Videos
and came across this story. As a former naval flight officer this story takes me
back to those days and underscores how professional a group of twenty-somethings
can be. Although I was a part of it, stories of the Naval Aviation "can
do" attitude never cease to amaze me. My hat is off to this flight crew. Lieutenant Gallagher, I am a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps, and I am an EA-6B AME instructor at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, Whidbey Island, WA (formerly NAMTRAGRUDET). In Naval Aviation we say that all warnings, cautions, and notes are written in blood; thankfully, the NDI procedure for the Top Latch Window on the ejection gun wasn't written in blood. I get the chance to use your story for an eye-opener for the new maintainers that I train. I also use your story when the FAMNAV aircrew students come over for training from the training squadron. Your story is a compelling reason to get the new aircrew to pay attention to me when I am showing them how to do a proper pre-flight on their ejection seats. Hopefully, your unfortunate incident is a constant reminder to maintainers as we work on the ejection seats, and to the aircrew as they pre-flight their seats. Thank you for your service, and for going into harm's way to keep us all safe. As a former Marine infantryman, air support is greatly appreciated. I now make my contribution by fighting with a tool box instead of an M-16. God Bless. Respectfully, Hi Keith - a great job telling a
fabulous story! The vote is in - there are no Athiests in foxholes or
flightdecks! Bless be on all those who fly and fight.
AM1 Rush from USS Vinson. I served with AME1 Jung
back in 1986 with USS Midway, excellent technician. I've been an NDI Technician
for 16 years and we still do the "Gallagher's window" inspection all
these years later. Sir you were indeed blessed by the Irish that day, looking at
the photos still shocks those who see it for the first time. However in all the
years I've done the inspection I only found one questionable gun tube which for
safe sake we demolished rather than chanced another occurrence. I am on my final
deployment with the Navy looking to do NDT when I retire in August. I still have
the window piece from that destroyed tube and the Mycarta guide block used for
the inspection to remind me of the importance NDT places on the safety of human
lives. Hey my name is Will, and I stumbled across your accounts of your 91' cruise on the Lincoln. I was searching my old squadron VFA-22. I just wanted to say it was one of the coolest things I have read in a long time. It brought back lots of memories good and bad. Just wanted to let you know that what you wrote will be read by lots of people a long time from now and still make a lot of sense. P.S. sound like you lost a lot of A/C
out there. An incredible story. You navy aviators are Sierra Hotel. This is from a retired Air Force KC-135 gas-passer. We survived a few sticky situations during the Southeast Asia war but comparing stories with some of my Navy buddies makes my experiences seem like a vacation cruise. Here's wishing you and your family the best life has to offer - you deserve it. Gerald Kinman Keller, Texas - Saturday, December 11, 2004 Extremely interesting and well put together site. Excellent technical content. Truth IS stranger than fiction! James Blackburn <> Oxford, UK - Friday, September 24, 2004 at 18:56:04 (EDT) Impossible to comment spent some time in the SE Asia in the 60's still can't can't figure out where we find such men (people) Bill cannon <> The Colony, TX USA - Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 08:52:13 (EDT) Quite the trip. Lucky man Us navy men are tough Former AO USS Forrestal CVA 59 Yankee Station 67 fire flight deck. Colmes <> Las Vegas , N.V USA - Sunday, September 19, 2004 at 00:19:34 (EDT) I was on the deck when this incident happened. I worked Cat #1. This story is absolutely true. I remember thinking, " how in the world is this guy going to land safely with the chute wrapped around the tail. I will tell you, as I manned a fire hose I was nervous! and can just imagine what was going through those pilots minds. This incident proves that US Navy flyboys are not only the best pilots in our military but the best in the world !! Glad to see everything worked out and the Lt. was able to fly once again. S. Cesnick <> Frostburg, Md. US - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 01:52:46 (EDT) A feeling of great pride. You Navy folks are a group of fine individuals that make up an even finer team. Great job by all involved. From one lucky Irish jet jock to another, way to hang in there! Joseph Dougherty <> Wheaton, IL USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 12:55:56 (EDT) I was On this cruise. I remember it well. Everyone was in awe. I remember seeing LT Gallagher in the crew mess after it happened (DAYS after). His chest was still wrapped up and he was making his way around the ship very slowly. I remember my friends and me saying that this man was blessed. It was like he took on mother nature and that ship all at once and lived to tell the story. there were a couple of nicknames for him after that, one that sticks with me was "Ironman" Calvin h Jones <> San Diego, Ca USA - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 21:54:03 (EDT) All the best wishes to yourselves and your families. Glad to hear you've made a full recovery. (Wingwalking on a jet, must be a navy thing). A Fox <> South Shields, Tyne & Wear England - Sunday, August 01, 2004 at 20:33:05 (EDT) AS A FORMER EGRESS TECH. FROM THE AIR FORCE (1964 - 1969). THIS WAS VERY INSTERSTING TO READ. I WORK ON THE MB SEAT IN THE F-4C,C AND RF-4C. NEVER SAW ANTHING LIKE IT. GLAD ME MADE IT. RICHARD MORTLAND <> MASSILLON, OHIO USA - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 00:23:37 (EDT) Thank you both for your service to our country. God Bless and God Speed! R. Pawlak <> Louisville, Ky U.S.A. - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 18:51:26 (EDT) You are now hearing from an 84 year old former Army Air Corp. Combat Glider Pilot. There is no way I can imagine what your feelings were after a partial ejection. Glad to know you lived to tell about it. Ray Ray Whittington <> Artesia, N.M. USA - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 00:25:02 (EDT) Unbelievable - just shows how training comes into play without thinking about it. The pilot deserves the highest award. Mike Byrne <> Saltspring Island, British Comulbia Canada - Friday, July 09, 2004 at 18:57:12 (EDT) Amazing Recovery .. I saw a lot of mishaps in crash fire / rescue .. NAS Barbers Point 1953 .. Midway Is.1954 .. NAS Alemeda 1955 .. Congrads to all .. This survival story tops them all ! Lauren Jay Tudor .. AB2 1952-1956 <> Arnold , Ca USA - Friday, July 09, 2004 at 16:54:26 (EDT) I had forgotten about this until I stumbled across your website. I was with the "Patriots" VAQ-140 at NASOH. I had never seen the photos, just heard the story. Absolutley miraculous survival. HM2(AW) David McCullough <> Shelbyville, IL USA - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 10:01:53 (EDT) I am a veteran who has served on two carriers-the Lexington (1969-1972) and the Independence (1982-1987). Your story has all the earmarks of angels at work and how, all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His Purpose-God bless you all. Michael F. Vandenberg, MM1, USN(Ret) <> Pensacola, Florida USA - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 19:22:39 (EDT) Glad you survived with only minor temporary injuries. God certainly was your Co-pilot on that day. Good Luck Arnie Johnson retired Grumman Engineer Arnold Johnson <> levittown, ny usa - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 22:31:55 (EDT) Your Story was absolutly amazing. Good to hear your still with us. You and your family are extremly lucky. Live every day to the fullest. Jason B Edmonton, Alberta Canada - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 15:30:56 (EDT) Thank you for your service to our country. Carlos Acosta <> Silver Spring, MD USA - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 16:31:27 (EDT) Thank God you're here. God speed to you and yours. Walt Cut_N_Shoot, TX USA - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 20:18:57 (EDT) One more great story about the greatest people in our country, Millitary personel. There paid very little, get very little thanks, put in terable hours in terable locations. They all deserve our thanks, our prayers. Thank you to all the service men and women out there in the line of duty, in the line of fire, dirty, cold and lonly. Your not forgotten, and you are all in our hearts and minds. God bless the USA and the people that serve. Richard Ostheimer <> Fort Wayne, in US - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 20:25:49 (EDT) My little brother was stationed on the Lincoln during the Persian Gulf War. Thank god he and all his shipmates are finally home...We are Very Proud of You All Natalie Simpson <> Houston, Tx USA - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 00:13:17 (EDT) God Bless you Keith and family. Capt Eric Mokry, USAF <> Olive Branch , MS USA - Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 22:48:39 (EDT) In my many Years of Naval Aviation I have witnessed numerous incidences, some not so happy in their conclusion, but none to compare with this. God Speed Alfred "Russ" Ackley <> Yakima, WA USA - Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 00:27:51 (EDT) Somebody, somewhere likes you. That's an amazing story. Good job on the website, well done. Sgt Thomas Crumbley, Jr., USMC <> 29 Palms, CA USA - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 16:40:46 (EDT) Out standing!! I love to hear it when a GI comes out on top. Boy, did that sound stupid!!! I love to hear our GI's survive the odds, and be re-united with their family. I know the left seater had the hands of God, that fateful day. God bless both of you. LT Bean Larry T. Bean Tiffin, Ohio U S of A - Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 17:23:00 (EDT) Man! What an experience! Your story seems like an excerpt from a Stephen Coonts novel. I found it particularly interesting being a plane captain on A-6's in the early 70's. I would also like to thank you for your service. I'm glad you made it. Mike Casey New Braunfels, TX USA - Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 12:51:14 (EDT) OUTSTANDING SHOTS, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SHIPMATE. D.R. JUSTIN CWO USN (RET) CVN-72 PLANKOWNER DON JUSTIN CWO USN (RET) FLINT, MI - Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 18:33:56 (EDT) We've taught our School of Aviation Safety ASO students about this mishap for some time. It is a testament to the outstanding professionalism of all involved that the aircraft and both crewmen got home. A perpetual BRAVO ZULU!!...and thanks for an outstanding website! CDR Andy Bellenkes Washington, DC USA - Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 15:04:47 (EDT) CDR, USNR (ret.) Mark Baden flew often as my copilot with United Airlines, out of Anchorage. As an aviator, he was excellent! I had read the Tailhook article about his exploit, but didn't connect it with him until a fellow pilot mentioned it. I never heard Mark telling anyone of his own exploits. I hope to meet Mark and his beautiful United pilot wife again! Scott Baumann Bellevue, Washington USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 20:17:12 (EDT) i was station on aboard the u.s.s. nimitz (cvn-68). from dec 1977-jun 78. it was a great experience and well worth my 6 year of military duty, to be apart of one of the greatest military aircraft carriers of all time. i toured with vs-24 anti-submarine warfare squadron for 6-months. after returning to base in jacksonville,fl. i had a chance to get "ejection seat qualified" on martin baker mk-25, it was a great and personnal experience of my life. thank you. bill wm. owens new albany in, usa - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 13:22:29 (EDT) Inspiational story, very good luck to you in later life! Brian O'Loughlin Ireland - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 07:48:25 (EDT) Unbelievable. Being a former ABH and have worked on many a flight deck, I can say that this in one of the most incredible things I've seen in my career! MA1(SW) Cooke Fort Worth, TX USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 13:37:54 (EDT) SERVED ON CV-42,CVA-60,CVA-62,CVN-65,CVA-66,CVN-68 & NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS! THANK GOD,THE CREW & THAT FAST THINKING PILOT THAT YOU SURVIVED. ADCS MARTY CAMPBELL ( RETIRED) VIRGINIA BEACH, VA USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 00:07:19 (EDT) WOW! In my twenty years in the Navy I saw and heard of many accidents and incidents, but this is AWSOME! I was on CV-66& CV-62. God was with you. Take care. ADC (Ret) Joe Killough Pungoteague, VA United States Of America. - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 23:31:22 (EDT) I retired from the navy in 1988, and moved to Fl prior to this event. I was an AME and worked on ejections seats in VA-145, and VA-52, with trainning in VA-128. I had also worked on the MK-7 type seat in VF-92, and we did a dye penetrant test on the top latch window. i questioned why it was not done in the A-6 seat, and tried to get support for the inspection, but never could. I wonder how many of my ex maint chiefs and officers remember that!!! But standing up and fighting for the right things only cost me not making CPO, it almost cost LT Gallagher his life!!! mike radvak Orlando, Fl - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 18:20:17 (EST) Very detailed account of the situation. I was aboard the USS Independance CVA 62 Jan. 1959 but not a plank owner through the first Med cruise. Left the ship and Navy March 1961. Was Surface Fire Control when she had guns. Jim Ennis Greenwood, IN USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 13:30:46 (EST) Awesome. During my time in the Navy I saw some strange and scary mishaps but this one tops them all. I hold in great respect the skill and courage of Naval Aviators. I worked with many during my 22 years and believe now as then they are the best pilots in the world. God Bless You All. AEC(AW)USN Retired. Ross Canissario Virginia Beach, Va USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 13:11:01 (EST) I was aboard the INDY from 1964 to 1966 and work the flight deck and saw many accidents but this one top all of them. Thank god they both made it back saftely JAMES E ELDER GODEFFROY, NEW YORK USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 09:08:23 (EST) Having served aboard the aircraft carrier Shangri-La in the late 50's and seeing accidents involving different aircraft, this partial ejection has to be one of the most amazing survivals stories I have ever encountered. GOD must have blessed you LT. Gallagher. M.H. Stephens VA-115 57-60 M.H. Stephens Spiro, OK USA - Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 16:31:32 (EST) I was a paratrooper for twenty years and I am also a combat veteran. Although I have had frightening experiences at one time or another, what you went through tops the list. Good luck! Joel D. Montoya Fayetteville, NC USA - Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 08:02:32 (EST) BZ to the pilot. As a former EA-3B crewmember with numerous cats & traps, I can recall feeling somehow inadequate and uneasy that the Whale didn't have ejection seats. Maybe a blessing in disguise? I'm glad everything turned out okay. What a great story. I can see God's hand all over that hop. Helmuth Cote Gurnee, IL USA - Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 20:53:41 (EST) Sir, I was a reluctant Dog Face during the Vietnam era but never saw combat. The calmness and professionalism that was apparent after listening to the communication clips swelled me with pride. Vietnam era training was pretty flimsy, I'm proud to see our military has learned from past mistakes. You guys and gals, in the air and on the flight deck, are real heroes. I salute you for the dedication and bravery. Thank you! And God bless America! EF Armstrong Levittown, PA United States - Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 19:51:50 (EST) I have heard a lot of storys in my days, I was on the USS Forrestal when it caught fire in july of 1967. My favorite air group plane besides the ra5c Vigilante and the Phantom was the A6 I always thought it reminded me of a grasshopper. But truth be told I was much more in awe of your story, and you came out ok. Truly god was smiling on you and yours that day. So many things had to go right that day and the pilot was no slouch either. God bless and keep you always. What a story to tell your kids and grandkids. In awe.......Mike Dru (ex AO three on the Forrestal.) MICHAEL T. DRU Keyport, Wa. Kitsap - Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 18:09:17 (EST) From a retired Naval Aviator who, like you, always brought my airplane back with me: The Gods were smiling on you that day. Good luck, and nice family!! God bless, Bob Bob Chenery Danville, Va Good ol' USA! - Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 17:49:30 (EST) I was an Aircrew Life Support Specialist in the Air Force 82-92. I have some experience training Pilots in ejection procedures. Lt. Gallagher's story is an amazing one of survival. Russ Smith Boonville, MO USA - Monday, March 15, 2004 at 17:49:49 (EST) Sir, In 1971-1972 I was a plane captain in VA-34. In that short of time I had seen a lot of stange things that could happen aboard a carrier. But I had seen nothing that comes even close to what I seen and heard on your web site. I myself spent 3 months in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after suviving a 30 foot fall. It could have been 50 ft, but never mind. Oddly, I suffered a shoulder dislocation also. I almost lost my 2nd mech during a launch. After sart up the air line was removed and switched to the next aircraft. When our aircraft was powered up, I signalled my 2nd mech to turn off the power cable. As he reached in the hatch to swich off the power, the air line coupling snapped hitting him in the head. The impact threw him up in the air at least 15 feet. His helmet was tore off his head and went 50 or 60 feet higher. The whole top off his head was litterally almost ripped off. I can still see his brains on the deck. God was with him that day also. He survived. After all there years, I can still see it like it just happened, but I can't remember his name anymore. God was with a lot of us, and took some of us. We lost one aircrew during a Med cruise in 1972. I thought nothing could ever touch me emotionally again after losing my wife almost two years ago. Your story just wipes me out. You A-6 pilots and BN's where the best. God bless America, you, and all those who still sreve. Fred M. Ohnemus Quincy, Il USA - Friday, March 12, 2004 at 09:19:39 (EST) LT, I was on board the Lincoln with VFA-22 at the time this incident occured. I still remember the sick feeling when they cleared the flight deck of all 'non-essential' personnel because of the partial ejection, as they called it. Thank God you are still with us! W. D. Wright Norman, ok usa - Friday, March 12, 2004 at 05:51:03 (EST) Well written and from a long time pilot (Licenced 1947) I appreciate reading about pros...from pilots to paddles. Ted Bianchi <> Cocoa Beach, FL USA - Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 22:28:08 (EST) As a member of MOTU-7 (Mobile Technical Unit - 7 Yokosuka, Japan), I've had the opportunity to ride many ships including most of the "bird farms". I've learned that amazing and heroic things happen every day on ships at sea. Most of these incidents are never publicized. I'm very happy that your particular event was publicized and that it turned out so well for alcon. V/r, -JJ Marold ETC USN (RET). J. J. Marold ETC USN (Ret.) <> Yokosuka, Kanagawa Japan - Tuesday, March 09, 2004 at 18:15:18 (EST) I'm retired "rotorhead" from USN and have rescued a couple of "jet pukes" from the sea. All I can say is there is something fundamentally wrong with an aircraft that has to be equipped with a rocket-powered seat. Great photos and story! God bless all of you still out there on the front lines. Rich Seawolf FIVE FIVE, HA(L)-3, RVN, 70-71. Rich Hargis Mt. Shasta, CA USA - Thursday, March 04, 2004 at 16:23:11 (EST) An amazing incident. Information and details may help this from happening again. Wayne Low F/A-22 ATF Program Quality Assurance Representative DCMA Lockheed Martin Fort Worth Wayne Low Fort Worth, Tx U.S.A. - Wednesday, March 03, 2004 at 11:47:53 (EST) I flew the Orion. Fortunately never experienced or observed anything nearly that life-threatening during my tour. Videotaped the near-fatal Corsair/Bearcat collision at 1999 EAA Fly-In. Keith Gallagher, you have a lot to celebrate everyday, not just our day, March 17. Mike Nolan WASHINGTON, DC USA - Monday, March 01, 2004 at 12:02:37 (EST) Really something and unbelieveable except for the photos. From an elder S2E driver. Tom Seigle Jefferson City, TN USA - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 23:45:47 (EST) As an Ex-A4 and A7 driver, I was particulary affected by the recording of the landing. Those damn LSO's always sound so cool "under fire"! Nice job (the accident and story as presented). Thanks for the virtual adrenalin rush! Arne Arne Soderman Munds Park, AZ USA - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 22:59:36 (EST) I first saw this astonishing story in The Hook and am glad to know of the site for more details. It would make an awesome addition to an upcoming book of true stories. Barrett Tillman AZ - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 20:15:14 (EST) Lt. Gallagher, I am so amazed at the outcome of the events that took place that day. You deffinatley had the luck of the Irish and God on your side. Being a potential Sailor, I can say without a doubt that you and your A-6 driver are two officers that I look up to and deffinately respect. (Even though I don't personaly know you.) After listening to the radio transmissions and seeing the video that is posted on your site all I can say is leave it to a Navy pilot to sound so calm and collected in the midst of all that trouble! Much respect! Thank you for your service for our country. Matthew Haynes Matthew Haynes <> Salt Lake City, UT USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 18:16:34 (EST) As a former Marine and combat veteran of VietNam I will attest that the Lord is indeed watching over us. My former father-in-law who is a veteran of WWI with the 101st Airborne told me of an incident that was supposed to have happened during the battle of the Ardenne where a wounded young soldier was trying to get a badly wounded buddy to an aid station in the middle of a snowstorm. The soldier realized that he wasn't going to get his friend help in time and asked the good Lord for help. Minutes later out of the darkened forest walked a horse. The man put his friend on the horse and got him to the aid station in time to save his life. Yes indeed, someone watches over us. Craig A. Carroll <> Hastings, Minnesota USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 13:53:48 (EST) It's obvious that the Lord is in control of how much time you spend on this earth. He was with you in your hour of greatest need. I have two older sons, one was a navigator on a sub. and the other is a corman stationed in okanawa right now. I know God watches over them. My youngest boy is eleven and very much into the actions of our military. He will be very interested in your story, he'll probably even take it to school and show his class. We give God the glory for saving you from harm and we pray that you are giving him the glory for a greater salvation, that of your soul. Margaret <> Grants Pass, Oregon Josephine - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 16:13:04 (EST) I was a flight plane captain in the Pacific during WW2 in VB-109 flying PB4Y's and can understand just how very lucky these men were. I salute you-and thank God that you survived----GREAT story Andrew Halasz <> Las Vegas, Nv. U.S.A. - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 23:15:32 (EST) As a former B/N in the A-6 Intruder from 1978-1992, I can only say that YOU survived my worst nightmare - that last picture of you splayed against the broken canopy with your chute wrapped around the tail is unbelieveable! I trust you are still doing well physically! Best Regards ... Capt. Harris (USNR-ret) Peter Harris <> Dover, Mass USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 14:50:18 (EST) So extraordinary it could only be true! Gerry Day <> Portland, OR USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 11:30:58 (EST) Anyone that sees this can't say there is no GOD. I firmly believe that you were in HIS hands that faithful day. Theo L Peebles, EMCS(SS), USN, Ret <> Lumberton, Texas USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 10:35:26 (EST) I was the night check AME Shop suppervisor during all of this. I come back to this web site and see how many people sign the guestbook. And every time I come back there or more and more people reading this. Those few weeks after that gave us the most work I belive I have ever done making sure that all the rest of our aircraft and ejection seat we fine. A lot of people would like to serve or country but only a few do. I thank all those that have and do the job nobody wants. Mike McQueen <> Oak Harbor, WA USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 11:15:47 (EST) I had been around A-6's and EA6-B's most of my life living near Whidbey NAS. I had a vacation house just south of the touch and go field were the pilots practiced touch and go's and gave me lots of entertainment. I have always been facinated with Military aircraft. After reading your amazing story it brought tears to my eyes that you had survived such an ordeal. Someone was looking out for you that day. Congratulations! Scott <> Edmonds, WA USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 23:57:53 (EST) Wonderful account of an exciting event. Addition of sound clips and visuals created a sense of immediacy and excitement. Excellent coverage of the whole experience. R. Boyle <> Huntsville, TX USA - Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 19:18:05 (EST) HI, I AM A FORMER CREW MEMBER OF THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN72). I WAS THERE FROM 1987-1991 WHEN SHE WAS FIRST BIULT AND IT WAS A REAL EXCITING FEELING WHEN YOU FIRST MOVE ON BOARD AND START LIVING AND GOING OUT TO SEA THE FIRST TIME AND I HAVE SEEN THE THINGS YOU SAID AND DONE SO GOD WAS WITH YOU ON THAT DAY & WE ARE ALL GREATFUL FOR THAT AND GLAD YOU ARE SAFE. TAKE AND BE SAFE (MIKE BURDICK USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1987-1991) Michael Lee Burdick <> Prineville, Ore. USA - Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 14:59:17 (EST) I was on deck as a flight deck troubleshooter attached to VF-114 the day 515 came in. It was truly an amazing sight and a moving experience that the BN made it. A lot of credit goes to the pilot of 515 for his skill, but there were other forces at work there. This is one of the most accurate accounts of the incident I have seen to date. Jerry Valerga <> stockton, CA USA - Tuesday, February 03, 2004 at 23:57:35 (EST) As a Retired Navy Aviation Warrant and prior enlisted air crew, and now Failure Analyst for Texas Instruments in defense and semiconductor; I thought I had seen some the most unusual causes and results. It clearly shows that even with I best efforts we will never think of every possible cause of failures and how to test for those unforeseen happenings. I am glad this incident had a happy ending. "Denny" Norris <> Garland, Texas, DFW area USA - Tuesday, February 03, 2004 at 17:21:16 (EST) My GOD.....I just added a bookmark to your website. Your A-6 mishap is one of the most amazing things I've even seen. Glad you made it....You must be living right. USMC 1981-1984. Harry "Hammer" Jackson <> Decatur-Peoria Heights, IL US - Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 16:44:56 (EST) < Thanks to the hundreds who have sent messages of encouragement and info. valuable to all of us pilots, and to all who know our Creator cares for us. Arthur E. Angove, D.O., New Berlin, WI Ret. Gen. Surgeon. Arthur E. Angove, D.O. <> New Berlin, WI USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 18:01:27 (EST) Hi Keith, David Bell is my brother and he told me about your mishap. I listened to all the clips and saw the landing. Incredible!!! Hope to get to meet you and your family soon. Tim Bell <> Roswell, GA - Sunday, January 25, 2004 at 13:26:16 (EST) In 1954-56, I was one of the first carrier-based B/N's (I was an FO, we didn't have to be NA's, although some were). We flew in AJ's (fan on each wing, J-33 jet in the tail)out of NAAS Sanford, Florida, in VC-5, the "Savage Sons of Sanford". Although originally our mission was A-Bombs, later we did a lot of inflight refueling, apparently not much differently then than now. I am so impressed by this incredible story, but not really surprised at the skill of the pilot and Paddles involved. That apparently hasn't changed in the 50 years since I flew with truly great pilots. I will be 75 next week and hope that everyone involved in this wonderful tale can celebrate his 75th and more. With great respect, Paul B. Wells Formerly LtJg, USNR Paul Wells <> El Cajon, CA United States - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 20:21:14 (EST) Training - Training - Training, mixed with good luck and fate resulted in a life saved and an emotionally stirring moment in history. God Bless everyone involved. Geoff Warnock CWO3/USN (Retired) Geoff Warnock <> Gainesville, Florida THE United States of America - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 09:53:44 (EST) Bone chilling story. I was in the Navy from 66 - 70 (AE2), stationed in NAS Key West and Quonset, VS-30 and VS-28, was on the Lex many times, the Yorktown, the Intrepid, saw pilots come very close many times, but this was a chiller. Jim Bass <> Deerfield Beach, Florida Broward - Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 11:24:34 (EST) I found this story accidentally while verifying some unrelated Internet hoaxes. Great story (from the standpoint that you both made it out alive and well) and gripping, detailed accounts by both lieutenants. Thank God for the best Military pilots/aviators in the world and the fact that He was watching over you both that horrific day. Take care. K. Knox Keller, Texas USA - Monday, January 12, 2004 at 20:56:48 (EST) Hey cool site you have here some great content and ideas. I will come and visit you again soon.Greetings from India.Karl <> - Monday, January 12, 2004 at 12:36:45 (EST) A remarkable story told remarkably well! It proves that sometimes the combination of luck and the greatest flight training in the world is enough to bring the aircraft and crew safely back to the deck. Dale Cors <> San Diego, CA USA - Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 14:00:33 (EST) As a retired Air Force fighter pilot, this is the most amazing story I have ever heard. My salute goes to Lt. Gallagher -- a miracle really did occur. Ed Collins <> San Diego, CA USA - Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 02:21:48 (EST) I am career firefighter of 25 years service, with approximately 19 as an aircraft rescue firefighter, and can't imagine anything more terrifying than what you went through. I'm glad that God was watching over you both that day. (Not as glad as you guys were, of course!) Ken Barton <> Tulsa, OK US - Friday, January 09, 2004 at 23:00:18 (EST) Thanks for putting out the story, sir! As a former NDI tech and instructor, it adds to my collection of sea stories of caution and material degradation to my junior people. FWFS! AMC(AW) Ramon Tinio <> Hanford, CA USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 11:14:14 (EST) I heard of this incident just after it happened a number of years ago. I had never read the details that are presented in this documentation. I work at the Naval Test Pilot School as a flight instructor and we study these mishaps as they occur during our weekly staff meetings. I am a retired helo pilot as of 1988 and am a contract flight instructor at the school with over 9000 hours. I have a memory of many mishaps. This one is one of the most interesting. lee Khinoo <> California, MD USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 09:20:05 (EST) A fascinating story, and LT Baden has my deepest admiration (especially as a mere PPL!). Well done that man - and I will remember LT Gallagher, next time I think I'M having a bad day :-) Heather <> Sandbach, Cheshire England - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 04:39:07 (EST) I flew helicopters in VN. Picked up twice jet pilots that had ejected. They thought Outlaw15 was a beautiful aircraft. I'd had a crewchief that named it flying rag in spanish. This is a must forward item to other Army Friend OL15 Donald Isenberg <> Charlottesville, Indiana USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 21:13:20 (EST) Wow, what an event to live through! I was with VA-85 and VF-102 from 89-93 and saw a couple of ejections while onboard the USS Neverdock (USS America). B/N LT.Tony F. ejected twice safely and on one of those ejections he landed on the flightdeck! Great site and god bless. Chris Chris Stocks <> Milton, WI. USA - Saturday, January 03, 2004 at 19:24:31 (EST) Mr.Baden I don't know if you remember me but I was your Plane Capian that day and 513 was downstairs for maint. That was my plane. That day I remember very clearly and it wasn't until recently that I came back across the article and I relived the whole ordeal when I watched 'When Pilots Eject' on the Discovery Channel.Yes I have wondered what happened to you and Mr. Gallagher. If there is any doubt of who I am in this course of our conversation here I can prove it if you ask me. I hope that you and Gallager are doing fine in your lives and I hope God has blessed both of you and your families. That was a day that will never be forgoten and it is still as far as I know the most horrific experience in any aviators career that could ever happen. I really hope to hear from you very soon. No one can belive me when I very rarely tell this story but I am very glad to have found this web site relating to the whole ordeal.Above all to have been your plane captain that day! Brandon Parrish plane captain VA-95 ('90-'92) <> Clovis , nm usa - Friday, January 02, 2004 at 12:07:19 (EST) Keith and Mark, an amazing story. Just had Doug Beal as my FO on my last 3 day and he told me of your story and your site. I'm a Civilian background guy with a real interest in what you navy guys do. Needless to say, great to read about the great ending to your story. All the best for 2004. Jim Poole <> Keller, Texas - Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 14:06:51 (EST) Glad your back Sir,I served on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln for a recall on the 2000-2001 cruise,, its an old story now, used as traingin in ships DC class video file of events. A-6's were great planes and fun to work on. The EA-6B's are aproaching high time, I think the Growler will be a good rep. Im very glad your alive. AO1 (AW) JEFF SHRIBER USNR <> Sebastopol, CA USA - Monday, December 29, 2003 at 09:09:41 (EST) My first job out of college in 1958 was at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation (As it was called then)and I worked on the A6 Aircraft Program. It was called the A2F-1 prior to the contract award to Grumman in 1958 and later became the A6. Nick Bazzicalupo - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 14:46:04 (EST) I served aboard the USS Shasta(AE-33) from June/July 1973 to June 1975. I believe the Shasta is now decomissioned,somewhere up in Washington. I look back now and how I wish I had stayed in for 25,but,things were differect then.I just like naval ships, and i write to different commands to try and purchase a ball cap for my collection. Some of the commands write back, some don't. The one's that do write back, I sometimes have good luck with them selling me a cap w/ the so-called "scambled eggs." Keep-up the good work boys and ladies. And give em hell!!! God speed... Jesse Martinez <> Rowland Heights, California USA - Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 02:43:14 (EST) VMFA-AW 242 A-6A RIGGER '72-'75. Those weren’t just the Lt's arms in the wind, those were ANGEL WINGS helping that BN. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AND YOUR FAMILY'S. SEMPER FI NAVY D. Hunter <> Phoenix, AZ. - Sunday, December 07, 2003 at 14:51:19 (EST) I am from Ireland and I decided to catch up on our native tongue and your site came up. This is a great story and I wish you and yours all the best for the future, Slan agat! Aaron Aaron Murriagh <> Hong Kong, Hong Kong - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 01:42:26 (EST) To see pictures like this just proves one thing: God has blessed this nation with the greatest, and best trained military in the world. Thank you for your service, and God bless you and your family Tom Juul <> woodvillage, OR USA!! - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 05:21:12 (EST) Dear LT, I first heard about this from a good friend of mine. He is now a Ret. BG from the Air Force, and now, just today, 11/29/03, I got to read and see about it again. We hate to see someone in our military family loose his life, so with this said, I thank God, for not taking you away from your loved ones, and also and most sincerely, your pilot LT Bade, for giving the best and more out of him to bring you back home. I give a big and huge salute to both of you, for your service to our military family. May God bless you both and your loved ones. Big huyaaaa for both. With all my respects, Senior Airmen Rogelio Escobar US Air Force 156th APF PR Air National Guard Senor Airman Rogelio Escobar <> Las Piedras, Puerto Rico USA - Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 06:21:11 (EST) I first heard of this story about 11 years ago when i was going through AME "A" school. I never really fully understood how and why it happened, but I learned how important it was for me to follow proceedures and "pay attention to detail." I am happy that you survived this horrific ordeal and now here I am 11 great years in the US Navy, and an AME1 (AW). Now I use this story to traine those who work under me on the importance of attention to detail, so no other aircrew will ever have to go what you went through. I have been working on the GRU7 ejection seat for many years and have saved 8 aircrews lives with the ejection seats I have QA'ed and/or worked on. To this day ALL AME's still perform the toplatch window NDI on F-14A/B aircraft because they have the same catapault guns in them as your A-6 had. I have great admeration for you and your family and I promise you as long as I work on ejection seats and train junior AME's to work on ejection seats i will always train them right and with great detail. I hope you do not mind if i use the photos on your website for training in the shop, and if you have anyothers that could be used i will gladly use them in my training. God bless your family, keep you all safe. AME1 (AW) Dobson, VF-101 US Navy Dobson, Michael <> virginia beach, VA USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 17:51:16 (EST) Here I am in 2003 reading your incredible story. My eyes are watering and I just can't believe you are alive. Your pilot is simply re-Mark-able(pun intended).He is a hero(like you). Give your wife and kids a big hug everyday. You are a survivor. And, thank you for allowing all of us out here to learn of your harrowing experience. God bless you..God bless America. and, yes miracles do happen. You are living proof. Long may your big job draw.... Bud Vincent St. John's, NL - Canada Edward(Bud) Vincent <> St John's, NL Canada - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 08:58:23 (EST) Outstanding ! Ron Tsolis--Captain, United Airlines-Retired <> Orange, Connecticut USA - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 07:48:10 (EST) Odds are that the end to this trap was an "O.K,three wire" pass also!! The absolute perfect arrival on deck. Jack F. Hamlin <> Hoodsport, WA USA - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 02:40:02 (EST) Heartwarming and intriguing! Marty Wright <> Chandler, AZ USA - Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 20:20:22 (EST) What Naval Aviators and Naval Flight officers risk. Who could not hold them in high regard? Lee Handy <> Roi-Namur, Kwaj Atoll Marshall Islands - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 00:28:40 (EST) The first time I heard this story was from Lt. Mark Baden himself. I served with Mark in VT-7 as a flight instructor flying the TA-4J Skyhawk in Meridian, MS. I was amazed then and am no less so now. As a Naval Aviator we always had to be prepared for the unexpected and even went so far as to play the "what if" game sometimes between hops in the ready room. Still, nothing would have prepared me for this event. Thank God they were flying an A-6 and not a tandem-seat aircraft. To Mark Baden - Bravo Zulu Mark! And to Keith and his family, Godspeed and many, many more blessings. John Stapleton <> Charleston, WV - Monday, October 27, 2003 at 15:25:19 (EST) I've witnessed ejections, read about them and cleaned up after them but none can compare to this. If they offer you a desk job..take it. You have probably used up all the luck in your "luck locker!" Brings to mind the punch line............."for my next act, I'm gonna set myself on fire!" Don't miss any church services, you owe him. Terry Newell CH Avn Bosn (Ret) Terence Newell <> Riley, KS USA - Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 04:03:36 (EDT) I'm spent from reading your account. Your experience is unlike any I've ever heard, and reinforces my belief in God! I'd prefer Lt. Baden be the pilot on my next United flight :-) Best of luck to you and your beautiful family. Bonnie Dean <> Plano, TX USA - Wednesday, October 01, 2003 at 15:18:16 (EDT) Thank you all for the great comments. I enjoy reading them, and I check the log every day. I want to try to clarify some things surrounding the recent engineering discussions, and the force required to break the top latch window. I am not an engineer, and it has been a while since I thought about this specific aspect of the accident, so this will not be infinitely detailed. Martin Baker WAS involved in the accident investigation, and I never heard of them disputing any aspect of it (perhaps they did, but I never heard about it). There was also an engineering investigation into the reason behind the metal failure. My memory is this: the metal on the top latch window was already cracked, or even broken, on the seat before we did the slight negative "G." The seat did not rip through a solid piece of very strong metal, it merely completed the crack, and broke off a piece that was ready to break. The force required to do this was obviously significantly less than the force that would have been required to break an intact piece. This set off the chain reaction that is outlined on the other page. Why was it cracked? Was it cracked from some previous severe force on it, or did it just fatigue over time? I do not know if they ever came to a full agreement, but I think the prevailing thought was that it happened over time. The seat (and plane) had served longer than they had been designed to, and there was even a theory that the new catapults on the Nimitz class carriers put a different type/level of stress on the seat than had been previously seen. They immediately inspected all the seats of that type, and found several with cracks. They also added an inspection of the top latch window to the semi-annual seat inspection. If my memory is correct, I believe that they found over 15 seats with cracks over the next two years. I hope that helps to clarify some of the questions. Thank you again for your comments, discussion, and questions. Keith Gallagher - Friday, September 26, 2003 at 09:45:30 (EDT) (Re: Alan Cody's post) During the 1960's-70's, I was an accident investigator with Tactical Air Command and I investigated several F-4 uncommanded nose gear retractions during which the nose gear collapsed upon landing and the twin nose gear tires penetrated up thru the forward cockpit floor. I can recall three incidents in which the nose tires impacted the large diameter flight control torque tube which rests just above the forward cockpit floorboard and then continued upwards to impact the underside of the forward ejection seat. In one case the impact force was severe enough to unlock the seat's top latch mechanism and slightly force the seat upwards (fortunately NOT far enough to activate the drogue gun, time release mechanism or seat-mounted ejection initiator). We contacted a Martin-Baker engineer who advised us a force of approximately 150-200 foot-pounds was required to initially unlock the spring-loaded top latch plunger (the end of which is beveled to assure positive lateral movement upon the catapult). I recall visiting an egress shop to observe a detailed close-up of the seat top latch mechanism and an egress technician disassembled one to show me the inner workings. During reassembly, he had to fight against the force of the spring but he was able to do so on his own while using the threaded maintenance handwheel to retract the plunger into the housing. I thus must concur with the posts by Mr. Cody, Carter and Lapointe who question the validity of the theory of negative g-forces causing structural failure of the catapult. The metal which comprises the catapult's top latch window is quite thick and would have to be subjected to severe impact forces much higher than those encountered during negative-g's in order to fail in the manner described. The dynamic forces required to damage the catapult in such a fashion would likely first rip the wings from the aircraft. Scott Miller Palmdale, CA - Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 19:42:58 (EDT) I used to fly RF-4C's (Kodak Attack) and I'd always been told the Martin-Baker seat was designed to sustain up to 30g's without structural failure. I never questioned that claim since the Martin-Baker company was renowned for its crash-worthy helicopter seats. Like Mr. Cody, I too am forced to question the assessment of the catapult being damaged by cyclic negative g's. If a seat can handle 30g's, it should have no problem handling a few negative g's. On the other hand, nothing is impossible as has been proven by foam puncturing shuttle Columbia's wing. Good job by all involved and I extend a special salute to the egress and AME folks for they have to keep their game face on 24/7 because there is no margin for error. Little if any recognition when their equipment works as designed and more attention than they know what to do with when all goes wrong. Hoo-rah! Steven Lapointe San Antonio, Tx - Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 00:59:32 (EDT) Alan Cody hit the nail on the head! In addition to the stresses of carrier landings, I'd also consider the 3 to 4 positive G's created during carrier catapult launches. It may not sound like much at first but it is a helluva lot of stress to place upon the top latch mechanism's locking plunger window which is only about one inch square and the stress would be compounded over time by the cycles of repeated launches/landings. As indicated by Mr. Cody, the Air Force did not encounter this problem with their Martin-Baker equipped Phantoms and that's simply because they did not perform high G carrier landings & launches. The argument of in-flight negative G forces holds little merit because the Air Force Phantoms (especially the G-model Wild Weasels) frequently performed extreme high G maneuvers as they ingressed and egressed their target areas. Additionally, both the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds flew Phantoms for several years during which they too performed repeated extreme high G aerobatic maneuvers without any damage to seat catapults. I must note that the catapult damage could've just as easily been previously caused during maintenance if someone had attempted to use a crane to remove the seat from the cockpit without first unlocking the seat from the catapult (mistakes do happen). Catapults can be inadvertantly dropped during handling/transport (according to Air Force 11P-series technical data, most egress system explosives can be dropped as much as 6 feet without being condemned for use). There are many potential causes that should be closely examined before pointing to the negative G theory as the root of the problem. Tom Carter Daytona Beach, FL USA - Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at 04:16:11 (EDT) I flew the A6 in the Marine Corps 69-73 including a tour with VMA(AW) 225 in Danang. I stumbled onto this site and was amazed at the professionalism of all involved. Great story and a great result. Excellant presentatin on the web. Dick Gulledge College Station, TX USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 12:46:34 (EDT) It would be interesting to hear Martin-Baker's side of this story. While prolonged and repeated negative g forces could theoretically induce metal fatigue within the ejection catapult latching assembly as described, I am skeptical that negative g's were the the contributing factor. The negative g forces required to cause structural failure of the catapult's top latch "window" would far exceed the dynamic force required to reposition/retract the top latch mechanism's locking plunger and "unlock" the seat from the catapult as the catapult's inner barrel initially extends/telescopes upward during ejection; thus, the seat should unlock far before structural failure. Since the Air Force never encountered this type of problem with its Phantoms which also flew high g profile missions and were equipped with similar Mk-7 seats, I'd suggest the Navy-wide problem could instead be a result of prolonged cycles of repeated high positive g's during carrier landings which would just as easily overstress the top latch assembly due to the majority of the seat and occupant's weight being located forward of the seat's vertical axis. During a carrier landing and hook arrestment, this weight is forced far forward of the seat's center of gravity which will force the top latch mechanism's locking plunger (which is bearing the entire weight of seat and crewmember) to move forward and upward within the catapult's top latch "window", thus creating identical stresses to those encountered during negative g's. Different cause-same effect. If the catapult was in fact prone to structural failure as described, it would've easily been evident during crash recovery of intact cockpits within which the catapult's subject outer barrel remained after ejection. The 12-18 positive g's placed upon the seat structure during the seat's initial vertical movement would surely have similarly damaged the catapult had metal fatigue been present. Definitely an interesting study! Glad Keith survived and that's what is most important! Alan Cody (aeronautical engineer/escape systems) Phoenix, AZ USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 03:59:29 (EDT) Dear Keith, Anyone who has trained as a pilot can't help wondering how they would cope with a real emergency. This is a perfect display of coolness under pressure if there ever was one. A higher being was present for those six minutes I'm sure of it. Man you looked so close to undershooting. Congratulations and all the best for the future, Richard Hall Richard Hall Auckland, New Zealand - Sunday, September 07, 2003 at 05:11:07 (EDT) I was a Plankowner on the Lincoln. I was on watch in CDC when that event occurred. I have told the story to many people about the pilot that landed on the deck hanging out of his aircraft. After all these years I read about it on the internet. Glad you were OK. I always wondered what your injuries were. OS3 Jodie Campbell Lincoln, IL US IL USA - Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 04:19:45 (EDT) WOW, Keith, what a truly inspirational, terrifying and amazing experience. Thanks to the Lord for his blessings upon you both and to Lt.Mark Baden's quick/clear thinking that enabled you to survive. Thanks to you and Mark for all your service to our country. Brenda AMS2(AW)USN ret. Brenda E. LaRocque Nampa, ID USA - Friday, August 15, 2003 at 14:31:06 (EDT)
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