This is the worst nightmare for pilots conducting trap landings on an aircraft carrier.
This video was filmed on Mar. 18, 2016 and shows an E-2C Hawkeye performing a trap landing on the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
As the footage shows, the cable used to catch the landing aircraft snapped: you can see the E-2C, slowed down by the #4 wire, continue toward the end of the flight deck, disappear off the flight deck while falling toward the sea before reappearing several seconds later, miraculously managing to gain speed and altitude.
According to the Virginian-Pilot media outlet, U.S. Navy investigators blamed human error and an improperly programmed valve for the incident in which eight sailors were injured.
Aircraft performing for an arrested landing on a carrier apply full throttle immediately after touchdown for two reasons: they may miss the cable or, worst case scenario, the cable might snap. In both cases, the aircraft needs to
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Note the 8-bladed NP2000 propellor. It’s designed to provide the aircraft with more thrust at any given torque (engine setting). It’s possible that had this been an E-2C (I think it’s a “D” even though the video says “C”) with the old 4-bladed prop – it’s possible that the plane might not have recovered. Frankly I’m amazed that it did!
Very nice job, pilot.
Give that pilot an Air Medal.
eventually they did
That is precisely why you slam the throttles on landing. What a great ending for this one.
Damn! That was dangerously close! Those people responsible for this possible disaster better get their s**t straight. Geez! Pilot has ice running through his veins. Excellent flying.