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The Great, Constantly Changing Picture Gallery
- Thread starter HeyJoe
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Not tryin' to step on CAT's toes, but it involved a crash landing of an A-6 assigned to VA-115. The B/N was lost at sea --[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]LTJG [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Michael Sargent[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Bixel is on panel 01W, line 083 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
[/FONT]The ARAB A-6 ran into several other aircraft, killed 5 squadron and ship's personnel on the flight deck and injured 23 others.
No problem, and thanks A4s. Especially since it was your community and you probably knew the guys personally.
We were in our R/R, getting ready for the night's roll-'em flick. The A-6's right wheel fell off (looked like a normal approach and trap to me?) and the right main stub caught a wire..., which careened the A-6 right it into the freshly recovered pack on the bow with some deplaning crews.
The crash crew alertly began rolling seemingly before the A-6 even stopped. They quickly doused the fire. Otherwise there would have been a major conflag.
IIRC, a couple of aircraft were knocked over the side, and various missiles were lying around on the deck. Aside from the dead, the injured were really injured, critically. Our CAG was just climbing out of his A-7 when another A/C was pushed into him. He had compound fractures of both legs, and had trouble walking the rest of his life.
Since most of the guys were critically injured, there was a quick and lifesaving medivac to Da Nang with our and I believe HC-7 helos.
We all left the ready room to go up and help, but were stopped. They said they had more than enough on the flight deck helping out, and did not need more.
Since the war was raging, this event never got much publicity. But a very similar but less tragic peacetime A-6 flight deck crash a decade later down by Rosie Roads did get a lot of publicity.
I have looked for a link recounting this Midway/VA-115/CVW-5 incident to no avail. Anybody have a good link?
While I remember some anecdotal stuff, here's a bit of linked information about the night in question: LTJG Michael Sargent Bixel, KIA 24 OCT 1972
Nice find, and thanks. While I didn't know Mike Bixel all that well, Al Clark and Mike McCormick were in the state room next to us. We all had some good times together, despite the attack vs fighter thing. Tough cruise. RIP
The '72 cruises were tough, indeed..... Al Clark and Mike McCormick were in the state room next to us. We all had some good times together, despite the attack vs fighter thing. Tough cruise. RIP
I think I mentioned before -- I was supposed to go to -115 instead of McCormick -- one thing led to another and it didn't happen -- I went to another squadron.
Strange thing ... Clark was born in N. Hollywood ... so was I. McCormick was from Honolulu ... I've lived there for many years, as a kid and as an adult. We were all in the RAG together ...
Fate.
Somehow, I am sad to say, I missed the recent April 2010 Midway Museum A-6 dedication to Mike and Al. But I also incredibly missed until tonight, the Tailhook Association's Daily Briefing about this special event.
Tailhook Link
Al's son Tad was only two years old when his father was shot down and killed. He never met his great father. But he is now a former AF Thunderbird Pilot, Lt. Col and an F-16 driver. He addressed the ceramony's attendees. His dad I know would be extremely proud.
Please read my friend's son's moving remarks at the Tailhook link.
1616
I couldn't be happier that these two great guys are remembered so well, so many years later. And I deeply regret not attending.
http://tailhookdaily.typepad.com/ta...a-6-dedicated-to-a-special-intruder-crew.html
But now let's get back to awesome aircraft photos, rather than ones of old tombstones.
Tailhook Link
Al's son Tad was only two years old when his father was shot down and killed. He never met his great father. But he is now a former AF Thunderbird Pilot, Lt. Col and an F-16 driver. He addressed the ceramony's attendees. His dad I know would be extremely proud.
Please read my friend's son's moving remarks at the Tailhook link.
1616
I couldn't be happier that these two great guys are remembered so well, so many years later. And I deeply regret not attending.
http://tailhookdaily.typepad.com/ta...a-6-dedicated-to-a-special-intruder-crew.html
But now let's get back to awesome aircraft photos, rather than ones of old tombstones.
I'm proud to be in a service that honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. Even during a time when the Vietnam War was less than popular, the bond between those that fought together kept the memories of the fallen alive and I'm glad that they get the recognition they deserved, albeit several years late. @A4s, Cat and all the rest... I love reading your posts about the hardships and good times you have shared, and look forward to add some of my own from time to time. Keep it up!
And now, back to the pictures. These were taken by a friend, who graciously allowed me to post them, on a cross country to Charleston and Pensacola last weekend. Enjoy!
And now, back to the pictures. These were taken by a friend, who graciously allowed me to post them, on a cross country to Charleston and Pensacola last weekend. Enjoy!
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markkyle66
Active Member
Didn't know I'd get see a airshow today. Army UH-60's practicing fast-roping and other insertions out at Camp Blanding. The crew all waved every time they passed over my boat, which I think they wen't out of their way to do! I could feel the lake-mist/rotor-wash! Anyways, thought I'd share these since I probably won't get another chance for several months!
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Cool shots. Those poor shmoes in the back must've been hating life with that long ladder climb. So much for 10'.
.... glad you said that, younger Bruddah.Holy batman, does that ASI say "75 kts"? What kind of self-respecting jet pilot would get that slow that low (and not "fighting")
I've seen ''75 kts'' and lower, i.e., 'ZERO' airspeed and sliding back downhill .... WA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-AAAAA-YYYY too many times in NAVY aircraft ... just 'cause that's what you had to do to put the round pegs in the round holes .
And I've even seen 'ZERO' airspeed a few times in a few bars, too ...
Holy batman, does that ASI say "75 kts"? What kind of self-respecting jet pilot would get that slow that low (and not "fighting")
Ahh the beauty of thrust vectoring... Master of All Airspeeds!
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