Hello Bill! I'm so glad I finally get to hear the story from you, the pilot. I had a front row seat to your incident. I was the yellow shirt on the foul line that day. I have a still picture of me in mid-stride running away as your bird went over the side. I hate that the island camera pointed into the sun, blacking out the latter half of your ill-fated ride down the length of the landing area. Just about the time the camera blacked out it was pointed to the area where I was hightailing it away from the landing area. Thank goodness I have the still picture, or no one would believe I was even there. It is indeed a day that I will never forget. So glad that you and Bio came out of that incident okay. Take care of shipmate!
Oh wow…the odds of finding flight deck crew who was there that day! Even on a floating city it’s amazing you both were there and you saw this video. The deck is a well oiled machine as everyone does their job. Very amazing to watch you guys work so efficiently! Even with accidents everyone scrambles!! I’m sure that was a day many people will never forget!! He’s very lucky to be alive. Too bad pics can’t be posted in comments!
I was in CDC at the time watching the monitors. We were sure they had bought it and that really scared the hell out of us. When the helo reported the visual and movement, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief! Good on ya Captain, hell of an IO sunset that day, eh? Just a note - We lost 2 birds on that cruise but brought everyone home. Exceptionally rare occurrence in those days - Connie was special, America's Flagship...
As the VAQ-134 Intel puke on that cruise, I remember it quite vividly. The tremendous screeching wail of the cable as it was ripped out just feet above our heads and the absolute silence of everyone around me afterward is something I will never forget. That and the PLAT camera view as your bird went over the side, which is also etched in my mind. Thank you for always being so courteous to we AIs when we debriefed you after your missions.
I volunteer in Titusville Florida at the Valent Air Command museum. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of hanging out with Bio. Bought a few books from him and asked about 76 questions or so!! He took his time with me and was a complete gentleman. God bless you both and thank you for your service to our nation!
My company just had our holiday party there in December. First time actually going inside. Awesome place! I was surprised at how many different Blue Angel aircrafts that they had there.
I released that bird to day shift and was awoken,told my aircraft went over the side , never told that my commander Switzer went over the side. Thanks to Switzer when seeing me in Monroe Louisiana while he was flying for Blue Angels is one of the reasons why I joined the Navy. Thanks to you commander Switzer
Always great to hear Martin-Baker did what they need to do. Spent 20 years working around naval aircraft and lost friends but fortunately more saved than lost.
I was in my shop situated on the port side, when the cable snapped. Right outside of my shop was a sponson, which was directly under the angle deck. I got out there just in time to see the bird sink to Davy Jones' Locker.
Hello Bill. thanks for telling this story. I was on board that day. My squadron was VAW-112, E2C- Golden Hawks. It was to my understanding that a submarine demo team later went back to destroy the aircraft ? How true, not sure. Thanks for your Heroic service !
VAW-112 A/F C/C on that float. Our shop was on the port side off of the hangar deck. Right outside of our shop was a sponson, where we watched the plane go to Davy Jones' Locker.
Absolutely crazy, glad to know the pilot and RIO were recovered with minimal injuries. I had the pleasure of sailing on the Connie for her last deployment. She was a great ship and it kills me that they cut her up instead of making her into a museum.
I lived in Bremerton during one of your yard periods. Don't know where the nickname "s**tty kitty" came from. Those yard birds can be cruel. The 'prise was there so long they started calling her "building 65."
I remember this incident like it was yesterday. I served on the "Connie" from 81-83 and was, and still am, amazed you both made it out of this alive, thank God. Thanks for sharing with us Captain. Fair Winds & Following Seas Shipmate!
Incredible that you in particular survived, Bill. And you are so modest! Well done for pointing the helicopter to your colleague. And what an amazing job was done by the commander that day. I am disabled due to spinal injuries suffered a few years ago. For this reason, I find it almost impossible to watch films of seat-ejections. I really do feel pain as I watch the canopy blow off!But this ex-serviceman is glad he got to hear you tell your story. The world is a better place for for having you in it, Bill.
This is nuts! I use to talk to Bio all the time via Facebook. He always had to time answer questions or just share stories. Never heard this one. Glad you guys came out OK. Thank you for your service.
I was aboard during that incident and remember it well. I was G-1 in the belly of the beast, so no personal observation. I'm glad you both made it back safe! I only wish there were shots of the Connie instead of the Big E.
I watched this happen from the up on the conning tower, as a member of a USO performing group. Whenever I had I chance I was up there watching flight ops with my trusty camera. The best sight I ever saw was those helicopters landing with you and Bio in them. "Sh*t Hot!"
I was in VF-143 on Ike for the '80 IO cruise. Glad you made it. One of VF-142's NFOs was lost when the brakes failed after trap pointing over stbd side to be dearmed. Still have nightmares since I was right in the area as flight deck ground crew.
This ship in the video is CVN65 not CV64, when you see Checkers that is VF211 (look at the tail) not VF24 - correct Wing, wrong Squadron - looks like VF24 with the plane crash.
Hey Skipper, I was the NX sup in your AT shop for that cruise, I had just gotten up to get ready for work when the 1MC went off saying aircraft in the water port side. Sure was glad to hear you and Bio got out ok, not so happy about the jet, we had just replaced a 155 pin cockpit floor disconnect in 205😳!
2:40 Those automatic inflating vests have a cleverly simple technology. They are plugged with a tablet of aspirin, identical to what you take for a headache. When it gets wet the pill dissolves and the vest inflates. It's also very quick.
I hitched a ride on the Connie in 1999 as a Tiger when my brother was in the Navy. I look for it everytime I see a carrier. Ill never forget the ride fron Pearl to San Diego.
I was aboard CONNIE in 2001 with my EOD team out of MU-11 (Whidbey Isl. WA) and we picked up TIGERS in Hawaii - then halfway to S.D., 9/11 went down. I'll never forget the CO's 1MC announcement that woke me in the Chief's berthing that morning.
Hello CAG! I remember you telling me that you had survived a bad wire landing and was amazed then and even more so as you tell your story with the actual video. Thank you. Joe Q CVN70/CVW15 PAO
I joined my Squadron (VA-146) after leaving Mombasa. I will never forget Captain Brooks saying every evening “A Connie good evening gents”. It was my first cruise and first port call was Perth Australia. Oh, and Shellback Initiation after that. Lol
I'm thankful someone's error on setting the arresting cable #4's numbers only caused us to lose an F-14 and not 2 human beings! When such a vital piece of gear is broken, it's better to pull the cable completely rather than have it out there being dangerous.
My cousin was a fueler on the Nimitz that year. He was injured during the Prowler incident off the florida coast. He was struck with a glancing blow from the exploding Sparrow missile nosecone and was rolled to within 10 inches of going overboard.
Hello Billy , Bill Porupsky seat shop , Blues 71- 72 , I remember at El Centro when Harley tried a delta landing and I was at the end of the runway and No.4 went sideways
What a story! And I guess fear plays you weird tricks. Meaning, I don't know many species of sharks or sea snakes who would hang around the churning waters of a fleet carrier after an F14 belly flops on their heads. I guess they'd return soonish though, after their own scare went away and they saw "food" in the water.
Hey skipper I was the AME 1 there when this happen and remember you coming down to my shop that nite I remember it like it was yesterday and I have been retired almost 30 years
Bill - Great bar story !! So glad that you get to tell it in person ! (I recall flying a couple J-Stage hops against you in VT-25. John Long was my Fam IP…..//Dave G.)
HaHa on our 81 America cruise we were always more worried about those snakes than we were of sharks. Happy you made it. Watched a EA6 3 man ejection off the cat, couldn’t believe they all made it
I was on the 1981 America with you. VA 195. A7 Squadron. I was an airframes final checker. I was on the flight deck when the EA6 B pilots ejected. Seen it in person.. Crazy day.
Got to VF-24 Airframe Shop right when you guys returned from the Connie cruise. Katis, Bo Rob, Toyota, Manny and Sleaze told me about it, but never heard it first hand or seen the video. Didn't Bio's plane almost get blown overboard behind Cat 4 too?
Amazing story, set of circumstance and great outcome Self inflating life jackets saved the day❓ Plus still being able to breathe underwater being masks of naval aviators❓ Absolutely fascinating • Also great the fact that he diverted rescue assistance to his co Magnificent kameraderie…‼️‼️ Great clip, thank you kindly 👊🔥 🪖
Cool story about the connie, here's one for ya, I was on the connie in 88 when she caught fire, got injured ruined my navy career, but I love the connie, ranger & carl vinson all the same & really muss them all. 👍⚓️🇺🇲
Great video, riveting story, happy ending. Good Good. Now, if you could just mix in a few clips of the Constellation (Enterprise is shown, always welcome). Can't wait for CVN 80!
too much commotion for me. My late father a Pharmacists Mate on the CV2 and an older brother an ABH on (Randolph, Ti, and Champ) Essex class told me stories from the flight deck. I did enlist albeit my service was silent, SS339,SS349. Narragansett Bay
Why do the US aircraft have to jettison the canopy before they bang out. unlike the UK system where they go out through the canopy, which is blown apart by the miniature detonation cord built into the canopy? It may only save a second or so, but when ejecting, a second is a lifetime and can make the difference between living and dying.
Hello Bill! I'm so glad I finally get to hear the story from you, the pilot. I had a front row seat to your incident. I was the yellow shirt on the foul line that day. I have a still picture of me in mid-stride running away as your bird went over the side. I hate that the island camera pointed into the sun, blacking out the latter half of your ill-fated ride down the length of the landing area. Just about the time the camera blacked out it was pointed to the area where I was hightailing it away from the landing area. Thank goodness I have the still picture, or no one would believe I was even there. It is indeed a day that I will never forget. So glad that you and Bio came out of that incident okay. Take care of shipmate!
Oh wow…the odds of finding flight deck crew who was there that day! Even on a floating city it’s amazing you both were there and you saw this video.
The deck is a well oiled machine as everyone does their job. Very amazing to watch you guys work so efficiently! Even with accidents everyone scrambles!!
I’m sure that was a day many people will never forget!! He’s very lucky to be alive. Too bad pics can’t be posted in comments!
I was in CDC at the time watching the monitors. We were sure they had bought it and that really scared the hell out of us. When the helo reported the visual and movement, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief! Good on ya Captain, hell of an IO sunset that day, eh? Just a note - We lost 2 birds on that cruise but brought everyone home. Exceptionally rare occurrence in those days - Connie was special, America's Flagship...
Well, heck dude, I was in the CDC then as well. OS2 Dahlquist.
I am always amazed how skilled and professional Naval aviators are. Thank you for your service and keeping us safe in the 80’s.
So cool to hear Switzer’s side of the story. I’ve heard Bio’s telling of it many times and read about it in his book.
As the VAQ-134 Intel puke on that cruise, I remember it quite vividly. The tremendous screeching wail of the cable as it was ripped out just feet above our heads and the absolute silence of everyone around me afterward is something I will never forget. That and the PLAT camera view as your bird went over the side, which is also etched in my mind. Thank you for always being so courteous to we AIs when we debriefed you after your missions.
I volunteer in Titusville Florida at the Valent Air Command museum. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of hanging out with Bio. Bought a few books from him and asked about 76 questions or so!! He took his time with me and was a complete gentleman. God bless you both and thank you for your service to our nation!
It's amazing how he makes everybody feel like a friend.
He will certainly take the time to talk and allow you to pick his brain.
What a guy
My company just had our holiday party there in December. First time actually going inside. Awesome place! I was surprised at how many different Blue Angel aircrafts that they had there.
I released that bird to day shift and was awoken,told my aircraft went over the side , never told that my commander Switzer went over the side. Thanks to Switzer when seeing me in Monroe Louisiana while he was flying for Blue Angels is one of the reasons why I joined the Navy. Thanks to you commander Switzer
Always great to hear Martin-Baker did what they need to do. Spent 20 years working around naval aircraft and lost friends but fortunately more saved than lost.
I was in CATCC that day and watched the ejection, glad we got you both back
Amazing story, glad both airmen are ok
I was in my shop situated on the port side, when the cable snapped. Right outside of my shop was a sponson, which was directly under the angle deck. I got out there just in time to see the bird sink to Davy Jones' Locker.
Hello Bill. thanks for telling this story. I was on board that day. My squadron was VAW-112, E2C- Golden Hawks. It was to my understanding that a submarine demo team later went back to destroy the aircraft ? How true, not sure. Thanks for your Heroic service !
VAW-112 A/F C/C on that float. Our shop was on the port side off of the hangar deck. Right outside of our shop was a sponson, where we watched the plane go to Davy Jones' Locker.
Absolutely crazy, glad to know the pilot and RIO were recovered with minimal injuries. I had the pleasure of sailing on the Connie for her last deployment. She was a great ship and it kills me that they cut her up instead of making her into a museum.
I lived in Bremerton during one of your yard periods. Don't know where the nickname "s**tty kitty" came from. Those yard birds can be cruel. The 'prise was there so long they started calling her "building 65."
My buddy Joe Duke did the last cruise on the Constellation he was a cook but he was attached to VAQ 135.
Dude not Duke
Dube
Sorry for the misspelling
I remember this incident like it was yesterday. I served on the "Connie" from 81-83 and was, and still am, amazed you both made it out of this alive, thank God. Thanks for sharing with us Captain. Fair Winds & Following Seas Shipmate!
Love these real stories told by the participants.
Incredible that you in particular survived, Bill. And you are so modest! Well done for pointing the helicopter to your colleague. And what an amazing job was done by the commander that day.
I am disabled due to spinal injuries suffered a few years ago. For this reason, I find it almost impossible to watch films of seat-ejections. I really do feel pain as I watch the canopy blow off!But this ex-serviceman is glad he got to hear you tell your story. The world is a better place for for having you in it, Bill.
I wonder if he realizes the sheer power of that 1980's mustache saved his life?
This is nuts! I use to talk to Bio all the time via Facebook. He always had to time answer questions or just share stories. Never heard this one. Glad you guys came out OK. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for sharing Sir. 2nd div deck dept 80-82. So proud to have served alongside such honorable men.
I was aboard during that incident and remember it well. I was G-1 in the belly of the beast, so no personal observation. I'm glad you both made it back safe! I only wish there were shots of the Connie instead of the Big E.
Good job! I’m glad you made back on deck ok,
Great story Ryan! These stories need to be told.
I was an AME in VAQ137 on the Ranger in 1981 on cruise in the gulf I remember hearing about this when it happened. Amazing story Sir.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Nothhalft.
I watched this happen from the up on the conning tower, as a member of a USO performing group. Whenever I had I chance I was up there watching flight ops with my trusty camera. The best sight I ever saw was those helicopters landing with you and Bio in them. "Sh*t Hot!"
Wow! Amazing story with an positive outcome. 🙏
VAW 116 SUNKING HERE Was there for the Show and a couple others we had out there ! Good to see you are still kicking
Wow. That is incredible. Thank you for sharing this video!
Wow. Heart, training, team work and quick clear thinking. Now that is uplifting.
I was in VF-143 on Ike for the '80 IO cruise. Glad you made it. One of VF-142's NFOs was lost when the brakes failed after trap pointing over stbd side to be dearmed. Still have nightmares since I was right in the area as flight deck ground crew.
This ship in the video is CVN65 not CV64, when you see Checkers that is VF211 (look at the tail) not VF24 - correct Wing, wrong Squadron - looks like VF24 with the plane crash.
thank you for your service
I was on board when this happened, Marine Detachment 79-81
Hey Skipper, I was the NX sup in your AT shop for that cruise, I had just gotten up to get ready for work when the 1MC went off saying aircraft in the water port side. Sure was glad to hear you and Bio got out ok, not so happy about the jet, we had just replaced a 155 pin cockpit floor disconnect in 205😳!
Amazing story. Balls of steel
2:40 Those automatic inflating vests have a cleverly simple technology. They are plugged with a tablet of aspirin, identical to what you take for a headache.
When it gets wet the pill dissolves and the vest inflates. It's also very quick.
I hitched a ride on the Connie in 1999 as a Tiger when my brother was in the Navy. I look for it everytime I see a carrier. Ill never forget the ride fron Pearl to San Diego.
Just for fun to say but I was on the ship that same day, as a sailor though. I miss that ol Connie. 96-2000.
I was aboard CONNIE in 2001 with my EOD team out of MU-11 (Whidbey Isl. WA) and we picked up TIGERS in Hawaii - then halfway to S.D., 9/11 went down.
I'll never forget the CO's 1MC announcement that woke me in the Chief's berthing that morning.
Glad Bio & the Skipper made it!
Hello CAG! I remember you telling me that you had survived a bad wire landing and was amazed then and even more so as you tell your story with the actual video. Thank you. Joe Q CVN70/CVW15 PAO
Wow, that's amazing! I hope you put a few extra dollars in the collection plate that next Sunday! I'm glad you both survived that!
I was there that day too...!
I was ships company AIMD/IM3/64C... 79-82. I remember this incident.
I joined my Squadron (VA-146) after leaving Mombasa. I will never forget Captain Brooks saying every evening “A Connie good evening gents”. It was my first cruise and first port call was Perth Australia. Oh, and Shellback Initiation after that. Lol
Amazing they survived.
Great! This is the other half of Bio’s ejection story in TOPGUN days.
Thank you for this upload 💯
Amazing.
Glad both of you made it.
Denny Brooks great skipper.
I left in the P.I., November 1981 went back home.
P-6 Cat Steam Shop
trained military tell it like it was nothing. training is important well done :)
I'm thankful someone's error on setting the arresting cable #4's numbers only caused us to lose an F-14 and not 2 human beings! When such a vital piece of gear is broken, it's better to pull the cable completely rather than have it out there being dangerous.
My cousin was a fueler on the Nimitz that year. He was injured during the Prowler incident off the florida coast. He was struck with a glancing blow from the exploding Sparrow missile nosecone and was rolled to within 10 inches of going overboard.
What a Gent, excellent thanks
Interesting story. Details matter, you left none out. Served with Denny at CTF-70. Outstanding individual.
The swiss-cheese effect in action. Inactive gauge+human assumption+complacency=incident. Glad they made it out alive and fairly well.
Great video! Thanks for posting, made my day.
Wow what a story ..some of these guys really been through some stuff
I was in VF 24 and on the cruise before this incident. Never heard it happened until just now.
A catastrophic human error, then a whole series of superb decision-making, skilled executive and good training saved two men’s lives.
Heard this story from Bio in person it's interesting hearing it from Bill
Great guy and fun to play golf with.
Hello Billy , Bill Porupsky seat shop , Blues 71- 72 , I remember at El Centro when Harley tried a delta landing and I was at the end of the runway and No.4 went sideways
What a story! And I guess fear plays you weird tricks. Meaning, I don't know many species of sharks or sea snakes who would hang around the churning waters of a fleet carrier after an F14 belly flops on their heads. I guess they'd return soonish though, after their own scare went away and they saw "food" in the water.
My middle brother served on the Constellation 73-76.
Hey skipper I was the AME 1 there when this happen and remember you coming down to my shop that nite I remember it like it was yesterday and I have been retired almost 30 years
Wow amazing story! I hope you guys got yourselves red barreled MBII watches.
Backbone of our military.
Very lucky flight crew. The carrier in the video is the USS Enterprise "Big E" (CVN-65), not the USS Constellation "Connie" (CV-64).
I was on deck that day.Looked like a normal landing until the cable broke.The Bird floated for a while.
You know its dangerous when it takes several things to save your life when something goes wrong.
Great story.
I miss that girl. Though I was on the Connie 96-2000.
Bill - Great bar story !! So glad that you get to tell it in person ! (I recall flying a couple J-Stage hops against you in VT-25. John Long was my Fam IP…..//Dave G.)
My dad was on that ship at the same time!!
HaHa on our 81 America cruise we were always more worried about those snakes than we were of sharks. Happy you made it. Watched a EA6 3 man ejection off the cat, couldn’t believe they all made it
I was on the 1981 America with you. VA 195. A7 Squadron. I was an airframes final checker. I was on the flight deck when the EA6 B pilots ejected. Seen it in person.. Crazy day.
@@robertslowiak2303 Hi Bob Its Doug how goes it
@@Riverplacedad1 Doug who? Been a lot of years.
@@robertslowiak2303 Texas Doug
They used to tell those sea snake stories so idiots wouldn't jump overboard to go awol, like a few did in a couple of ports we went to.
I hate snakes too. Awesome you made it through that mess!!
Got to VF-24 Airframe Shop right when you guys returned from
the Connie cruise. Katis, Bo Rob, Toyota, Manny and Sleaze told me about it, but never heard it first hand or seen the video. Didn't Bio's plane almost get blown overboard behind Cat 4 too?
AMAZING ..THANK YOU for sharing and your SERVICE ... question - what happens to the plane ? Are they recovered or left to sink ?
God bless. Glad you’re doing ok 👍
Hey what part of wv . Parkersburg here , wood county . Thank u for your service
Amazing story,
set of circumstance and great outcome
Self inflating life jackets saved the day❓
Plus still being able to breathe underwater being masks of naval aviators❓
Absolutely fascinating
• Also great the fact that he diverted rescue assistance to his co
Magnificent kameraderie…‼️‼️
Great clip, thank you kindly
👊🔥
🪖
Cool story about the connie, here's one for ya, I was on the connie in 88 when she caught fire, got injured ruined my navy career, but I love the connie, ranger & carl vinson all the same & really muss them all. 👍⚓️🇺🇲
Brave men!
What a deal.. meet your maker in a Martin Baker.
Good God, thank the Lord you had that!
He forgot the other thing he got out of it…..a Martin-Baker tie club membership 😂
Hope you got the MB tie...?
05:22 Why so many fighter pilots are like... short height. And the radar operator like.. tall guy.
Glad that the PR's and AME's got it right!
Broken cable, ejected under water, pop up in a nest of the most venomous snakes in the world. Death was really trying!
Great video, riveting story, happy ending. Good Good. Now, if you could just mix in a few clips of the Constellation (Enterprise is shown, always welcome). Can't wait for CVN 80!
too much commotion for me. My late father a Pharmacists Mate on the CV2 and an older brother an ABH on (Randolph, Ti, and Champ) Essex class told me stories from the flight deck. I did enlist albeit my service was silent, SS339,SS349. Narragansett Bay
l changed a whole bunch of the air crew systems change on the LPA's at Miramar.
"GOOSE!"
Terrifying Episode . Your Guardian Angel was sitting on your Shoulder that day , for sure .
Canopy RIO then pilot with 0.4 seconds in between each. Just imagine a EA-6B with 4 seats.
I believe there is a vid of a similar incident with an EA-6B.
I will see if i can find it.
Yep...
look up EA6B Cold Cat Ejection and you will see it.
Imagine how many Tomcats are laying at the bottom of the ocean...
I was in VF-24 working I-level VAST
🤔Had always wanted to know what happened…🤔
didn't know..I was in Cubi
Why do the US aircraft have to jettison the canopy before they bang out. unlike the UK system where they go out through the canopy, which is blown apart by the miniature detonation cord built into the canopy? It may only save a second or so, but when ejecting, a second is a lifetime and can make the difference between living and dying.
Hell yeah 😅