File:Firefightuing on USS Nimitz (CVN-68) after Prowler crash 1981.jpeg

From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Original file(1,905 × 1,300 pixels, file size: 1.1 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg)

Captions

Captions

Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents

Summary

[edit]
Description Firefighters attempt to extinguish flames in the aftermath of the crash of a Grumman EA-6B Prowler (BuNo 159910) from Marine Eletronic Attack Squadron VMAQ-2 Det.Y "Playboys" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68). The aircraft was fuel-critical after a "bolter" at night and reportedly applied power during the following landing attempt when it suddenly drifted to the right, running into parked aircraft, causing ammunition to explode and starting numerous fires. 3 crewmen and 11 deck personnel were killed, 48 injured. The subsequent fire and explosions destroyed or damaged eleven other aircraft (ca. 100 million US $ damage).
The crash sparked a 5-month debate between Representative Joseph Addabo (D-NY) and the U.S. Navy over whether drug use on board the carrier may have contributed to the crash. Despite being uninvolved with the operation of the aircraft or cause of the accident, the focus turned to testing conducted during autopsies which found that several members of the flight deck crew tested positive for marijuana. Although unclear how it would have affected this incident, U.S. President Ronald Reagan instituted a "Zero Tolerance" drug policy across all of the armed services, which started the mandatory drug testing of all U.S. service personnel.
Date
Source U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1996.488.210.144
Author U.S. Navy

Licensing

[edit]
Public domain
This file is a work of a sailor or employee of the U.S. Navy, taken or made as part of that person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain in the United States.

File history

Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time.

Date/TimeThumbnailDimensionsUserComment
current07:28, 27 October 2012Thumbnail for version as of 07:28, 27 October 20121,905 × 1,300 (1.1 MB)Cobatfor (talk | contribs)== {{int:filedesc}} == {{Information |Description=Firefighters attempt to extinguish flames in the aftermath of the crash of a Grumman EA-6B ''Prowler'' (BuNo 159910) from Marine Eletronic Attack Squadron VMAQ-2 Det.Y "Playboys" aboard the aircraft car...