Close Call Aboard USS Essex: The VA-83 A4D-2 Skyhawk’s Harrowing 1958 Carrier Incident
February 1958 marked the beginning of a routine deployment for Attack Squadron 83 (VA-83) aboard the legendary aircraft carrier USS Essex (CVA-9). This was a significant moment for the squadron, as it was their first deployment with the agile new Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk jets. While the Skyhawk was known for its robust design and formidable capabilities, naval aviation history often reminds us that even advanced aircraft and skilled pilots face unforeseen challenges. This particular deployment began with a dramatic incident that would underscore the inherent dangers of carrier operations and lead to a vital procedural change.
The Unexpected Bolter: A Damaged Skyhawk Fights for Air
During a seemingly standard landing approach, one of VA-83’s pilots made an unexpectedly hard touchdown. The impact was severe: the right main landing gear wheel sheared clean off. To compound the pilot’s predicament, the aircraft’s tailhook missed all of the arresting wires on the angled flight deck, committing the Skyhawk to an immediate bolter. This meant the pilot had to rapidly accelerate and get airborne again, a daunting task under any circumstances.
With a critical piece of landing gear now dragging beneath the airframe and the nose wheel cocked at an awkward angle, regaining flying speed proved incredibly difficult. The added drag and compromised aerodynamics severely hampered the A4D-2’s ability to accelerate. Demonstrating remarkable airmanship, the pilot fought to maintain directional control as the nose wheel eventually re-centered. However, for a tense moment, the Skyhawk dipped precariously low, well below the flight deck’s edge and frighteningly close to the churning ocean waters before finally clawing its way back into the air. It was a harrowing close call, highlighting the razor-thin margins of safety in carrier aviation.
The Barricade Engagement: An Inelegant but Crucial Recovery
Having narrowly escaped a ditching, the pilot circled back for a second attempt at recovery. To ensure a safe landing given the damaged gear, the USS Essex crew swiftly rigged the emergency barricade. This safety net, designed to catch aircraft unable to make a conventional arrested landing, offers a final chance. The standard procedure for a barricade engagement involves the aircraft’s nose passing between vertical straps, which then catch on the wing leading edges, bringing the jet to a halt.
However, fate had another twist. As the damaged Douglas A-4 Skyhawk approached, its protruding and broken right main landing gear strut unexpectedly snagged one of the arresting wires on the deck. This pre-mature engagement led to an “inelegant and nonstandard” barricade recovery. While certainly not textbook, the barricade held, and the aircraft was brought safely to a stop, albeit dramatically. The quick thinking of the deck crew, combined with the pilot’s skill, prevented a catastrophic loss of the valuable Cold War-era jet.
Lessons Learned: Enhancing Carrier Safety Protocols
Every incident in naval aviation, no matter its resolution, offers invaluable lessons. This particular event led to a critical refinement in carrier safety protocols. Specifically, the incident resulted in a new procedure: cross-deck pendants were no longer to be raised when there was a risk that something other than the tailhook – such as a damaged landing gear strut – might snag one during an emergency requiring the barricade. This small but significant change enhanced safety for future carrier operations, particularly during challenging emergency recoveries.
The February 1958 incident aboard USS Essex serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary challenges and continuous evolution of naval aviation. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, the exceptional skill of Navy pilots, and the dedication of carrier crews who constantly adapt and improve safety procedures in one of the world’s most demanding operational environments. Such harrowing events are crucial in forging the safer and more effective naval forces we see today.
