Carrier Quals had been going on for several weeks after a new group of Pilots had arrived onboard. This particular day, CDR. Yarnell had drawn the duty of getting this one particular “Nugget” qualified to make day traps. Night trap qualification would come later.

The crew boarded the aircraft, went through the normal check list and taxied to the “Cat”. The “Nugget” was in the left seat and CDR. Yarnell was in the right seat.

The engines were wound up and all was well until the “Nugget” gave the “Cat” Officer the “High Sign”. CDR Yarnell’s left hand was on the throttles as was customary but not holding the yoke with his right hand. The “Nugget” kept his right hand on the throttles and gave the “High Sign” with his left. Before he could place his left hand back on the yoke, the “Cat” let go. As any one who has spent time on a “STOOF” knows, the elevators are heavy and if not locked, the yoke will slide all the way forward.

Panic broke out big time with the “Nugget”. Instead of grabbing the yoke and pulling back, he slammed on the brakes. As if the brakes would hold the “Cat” back. The result; black tire marks all the way off the end of the Flight Deck.

CDR. Yarnell had the presences of mind to grab the yoke and yank it back as hard as he could. As the plane went off the end of the Flight Deck, it began to drop due to marginal air speed. Those on the deck saw the plane disappear for a few seconds before beginning to climb out. There was a huge sigh of relief to see the plane climbing. Everyone could just imagine the plane plowing into the water and the ship running over it.

The Commander circled back into the “Charlie” pattern and landed as quickly as he could. Once the plane was parked, the Commander was seen dragging the “Nugget” physically out of the plane and hauling him down to the Ready Room.

Those of us who had witnessed this near mishap were shocked when we observed the “MAD” boom. The fiberglass shroud was shattered. The conclusion was that it had hit the water as the plane was trying to climb out.

I can only imagine what kind of reaming the “Nugget” got from CDR. Yarnell. As I remember, the Commander was a very soft spoken guy until he was riled up. But in this instance he was not so soft spoken. I’m just glad I was not in that “Nugget’s” shoes that day.

Joe Dunegan AE2, VS-37 '56 - '57