F-14 Tomcat Ejection: The Story Behind the 1981 USS Constellation's Failed Arresting Gear Cable
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- Опубликовано: 19 янв 2023
- F-14 Tomcat Ejection Featuring Bill "Striker" Switzer | Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
On a calm December day in 1981, The USS Constellation (CV-64), a Kitty Hawk-class super carrier, was operating at full song in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It was two months in to a seven month deployment and Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24) was participating in a series of training flights pitting their supersonic, twin-engine F-14 Topcats against LTV A-7 Corsairs.
The Commanding Officer of VF-24, "The Fighting Renegades", was Skipper Bill Switzer, a seasoned pilot who had flown 150 missions over Vietnam and was a former member of the United States Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. Skipper Switzer and his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), David "Bio" Baranek, launched aboard their F-14 as part of the day's training exercises. It was upon their return to carrier when they encountered a malfunction with the ship's arresting gear cable that put both their lives in jeopardy.
Shortly after 5 PM, Switzer positioned their Tomcat onto final approach with the Constellation like he had done so many times before. As the F-14 descended, its tail hook latched onto the fourth and final cable on the carrier's deck with the expectation of bringing the 52,000 pound aircraft to a full stop, however, that is when everything went into slow motion for the flight crew.
Hearing a loud pop to the rear of the aircraft and the plane continuing to barrel down the deck, Switzer and Baranek knew they were in trouble. With no chance of keeping the aircraft on the deck, Switzer attempted to go full throttle, but to no avail. Not able to keep the plane airborne, the F-14 continued off the deck of the Constellation and began to drop belly first into the Indian Ocean. Within a split second, both Baranek and Switzer were able to initiate ejections.
Miraculously both still alive, in part due to their Martin-Baker GRU-7A ejection seats, both men found themselves in a new predicament, trying to remove their parachutes while not getting dragged under the water. Fortuitously, this particular cruise marked the Navy's first use of the FLU-8, a salt water activated CO2 cartilage worn by flight crews that automatically inflate their life preservers. The FLU-8s played a critical part in bringing both men to the surface.
Reestablishing his bearings, Switzer grew concerned over the potential of threatening sea snakes and sharks that had been seen in the areas surrounding the Constellation. His nerves tested multiple times while waiting for his retrieval, mistaking the sinking F-14's vertical stabilizer as the fin of a oncoming shark.
Switzer and Baranek were successfully pulled from the water by a SH-3 Sea King rescue helicopter and returned to the deck of the Constellation where they were happy to learn that the crew aboard the flight deck were not injured in the mishap. The cause of the accident was due to a failed landing cable that was not properly calibrated to stop the 52,000 pound weight of the F-14, and instead was programed to only 14,000 pounds, thus causing the malfunction.
Switzer was injured in the ejection, losing three-quarters of an inch of height due to the compression on his back and also sustain a chip in his neck. After being grounded for only three days, he returned to flying for the remainder of the cruise.
Bill "Striker" Switzer retired from the Navy after thirty years and later served as the Federal Security Director at Lambert-St. Louis Internal Airport.
Dave "Bio" Baranek served as a Topgun instruction and retired from the Navy in 1999. He is the author of three books that featuring his flying experience. Learn more about Bio at Topgunbio.com 
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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.
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.
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.
I am always amazed how skilled and professional Naval aviators are. Thank you for your service and keeping us safe in the 80’s.
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 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!
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
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 !
Amazing story, glad both airmen are ok
I was in CATCC that day and watched the ejection, glad we got you both back
Love these real stories told by the participants.
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.
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.
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 wonder if he realizes the sheer power of that 1980's mustache saved his life?
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 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.
Wow! Amazing story with an positive outcome. 🙏
Great story Ryan! These stories need to be told.
Thank you for sharing Sir. 2nd div deck dept 80-82. So proud to have served alongside such honorable men.
Amazing story. Balls of steel
VAW 116 SUNKING HERE Was there for the Show and a couple others we had out there ! Good to see you are still kicking
Amazing they survived.
I was ships company AIMD/IM3/64C... 79-82. I remember this incident.
thank you for your service
Wow. That is incredible. Thank you for sharing this video!
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😳!
Wow. Heart, training, team work and quick clear thinking. Now that is uplifting.
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 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.
Great guy and fun to play golf with.
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.
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.
Great! This is the other half of Bio’s ejection story in TOPGUN days.
trained military tell it like it was nothing. training is important well done :)
Thank you for this upload 💯
My middle brother served on the Constellation 73-76.
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.
Thank you for your service
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.
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
Good job! I’m glad you made back on deck ok,
My dad was on that ship at the same time!!
What a Gent, excellent thanks
Wow what a story ..some of these guys really been through some stuff
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
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!
The swiss-cheese effect in action. Inactive gauge+human assumption+complacency=incident. Glad they made it out alive and fairly well.
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
A catastrophic human error, then a whole series of superb decision-making, skilled executive and good training saved two men’s lives.
Great story.
Great video! Thanks for posting, made my day.
Wow amazing story! I hope you guys got yourselves red barreled MBII watches.
Backbone of our military.
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. 👍⚓️🇺🇲
Interesting story. Details matter, you left none out. Served with Denny at CTF-70. Outstanding individual.
Heard this story from Bio in person it's interesting hearing it from Bill
God bless. Glad you’re doing ok 👍
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.
Brave men!
I was in VF 24 and on the cruise before this incident. Never heard it happened until just now.
AMAZING ..THANK YOU for sharing and your SERVICE ... question - what happens to the plane ? Are they recovered or left to sink ?
I hate snakes too. Awesome you made it through that mess!!
Good God, thank the Lord you had that!
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.
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
I was on board when this happened, Marine Detachment 79-81
Imagine how many Tomcats are laying at the bottom of the ocean...
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
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 was there that day too...!
He forgot the other thing he got out of it…..a Martin-Baker tie club membership 😂
What a deal.. meet your maker in a Martin Baker.
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.)
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.
Broken cable, ejected under water, pop up in a nest of the most venomous snakes in the world. Death was really trying!
Glad that the PR's and AME's got it right!
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?
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
👊🔥
🪖
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.
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 miss that girl. Though I was on the Connie 96-2000.
I was in VF-24 working I-level VAST
Terrifying Episode . Your Guardian Angel was sitting on your Shoulder that day , for sure .
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
Hope you got the MB tie...?
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!
l changed a whole bunch of the air crew systems change on the LPA's at Miramar.
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.
Hell yeah 😅
didn't know..I was in Cubi
Why so many fighter pilots are like... short height. And the radar operator like.. tall guy.
Holy shit.
"GOOSE!"
🤔Had always wanted to know what happened…🤔
Arresting wires