That picture shows how easy it can be to accidentally push an aircraft off of an elevator. There is only about 4 feet between the back of the F-8's Main wheels and the edge of the deck. Seems safe, but now add in Jet engine noise, the movement of the ship, adverse weather or darkness, and the general rush to clear the deck to keep flight operations going.
When it happened to me the Aircraft involved was a RA-5C, a much larger plane, and it had to be put on the elevator at an angle, 1 of the mail gear went over the side, I noticed it before it went all the way, but even when hitting the tugs brakes gravity was the winning force. Lucky for me the shear pins on the tow bar broke or I would probably rode the tug over the side with the Vigilante! Instead I was left with frozen on the tug with my foot on the brake pedal and both hands with a death grip on the wheel.
Hats off to all who work on carriers.
I'm an ex-Para, so not particularly bothered about potential dangers, but there is no way in this World that I would want to be anywhere near a carrier, except maybe looking at one from afar (in a pub, on TV, with a pint in front of me !).
And as for landing on one - F**k right off !!
Hats off to all who work on carriers.
I'm an ex-Para, so not particularly bothered about potential dangers, but there is no way in this World that I would want to be anywhere near a carrier, except maybe looking at one from afar (in a pub, on TV, with a pint in front of me !).
And as for landing on one - F**k right off !!