The USS Harry S. Truman has faced yet another setback in its deployment, as Carrier Airwing 1 confirmed the loss of a Super Hornet aircraft. This incident, which occurred around 9 p.m. Red Sea time on May 6th, involved an FA-18F model assigned to the VFA-11 squadron, known as the Red Rippers. The aircraft experienced a failed arrestment during nighttime flight operations, leading to a precarious situation for the crew.
Fortunately, both the pilot and the weapons systems officer managed to eject safely, sustaining only minor injuries. However, the Super Hornet was lost to the sea, marking a troubling trend for the Truman’s airwing, which has now lost three aircraft during its current deployment.
Details of the Incident
While officials have not disclosed the specific reasons behind the failed arrestment, several potential causes have been identified. It remains unclear whether the arresting wire broke after the aircraft caught it, if the tail hook malfunctioned, or if the pilot inadvertently reduced throttle too soon during rollout. Each scenario presents significant risks, especially in a high-stakes environment like a carrier’s flight deck.
The arresting wire system on aircraft carriers is calibrated to match the weight of each landing aircraft, which varies depending on its model, payload, and fuel levels. A miscalculation can have dire consequences:
- If the wire is set below the aircraft’s actual weight, it may payout too quickly, potentially leading to a break.
- If set too high, it can create excessive resistance, causing the tail hook to snap.
The number of landings each wire can endure is closely monitored and typically swapped out after reaching a designated maximum, which used to be around 100. Notably, Navy officials reported that no flight deck personnel were injured during this incident, which is often a rare outcome when an arresting wire fails.
Deployment Challenges
This unfortunate event marks the third aircraft loss since the Truman’s deployment began on September 23rd, 2024. The previous incidents included:
- A Super Hornet from the Red Rippers that was accidentally shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a cruiser from the same carrier strike group.
- A single-seat E model from the VFA-136 Nighthawks that fell overboard alongside a tow tractor while being moved in the hangar bay.
Miraculously, there were no fatalities associated with any of these incidents, highlighting the resilience and skill of the crew in managing such crises.
Carrier Operations at Night
Navy aircraft carriers often conduct operations at night and in adverse weather conditions using what is known as case 3 procedures. This involves aircraft holding in a racetrack pattern behind the carrier at various altitudes and distances, initiating their approach to land at staggered intervals, typically one minute apart. The precise position of the Red Ripper Super Hornet in the approach sequence during this incident is unknown. If it had been engaged in a combat air patrol mission, it would likely have been among the first to land.
Any disruption to the recovery process caused by the mishap could have significant implications for the remaining airborne aircraft. Should the arresting wire have parted, recovery operations would need to be adjusted, possibly sending aircraft into a holding pattern or diverting them to alternate airfields, depending on fuel levels and availability of tankers.
Tactical Considerations
The tactical situation facing the Truman at the time of the incident is also unclear. Recent discussions have highlighted the ongoing threats posed by Houthi forces, which have continued to target U.S. warships despite a recent executive order from President Trump to halt American bombing in the region. This context raises questions about whether the Truman was forced into a hard maneuver, potentially compromising the landing of the Super Hornet.
However, it is important to note that the landing signal officer, the air boss, or the captain would likely have intervened to prevent the aircraft from entering a dangerous position during its final approach.
Conclusion
The USS Harry S. Truman’s deployment has been fraught with challenges, including the loss of aircraft and operational pressures. The recent incident involving the Super Hornet adds to a series of unfortunate events for the carrier strike group, which has already dealt with a collision at sea and an extended deployment period. As we closely monitor the situation, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For those interested in military aviation and naval operations, these developments underscore the complexities and risks faced by U.S. naval forces today.
Credit: Ward Carroll
