S3 Viking History

BuNo: 159411
Location: USS Nimitz
Date: Wed 26-Jan-1983
Cause: Aircraft Mechanical Failure
Findings: At approximately 1329 hours, during launch off USS Nimitz, aircraft approached catapult, spread wings, control checks completed, flaps, wing fold warning flags were observed to be down.

In cockpit the procedures were rushed, and completion of the final portion of takeoff checklist did not occur until after the aircraft was 'in tension'.

Seconds before the catapult fired, a master caution light came on but was not discussed by the pilot or copilot. 30 seconds after launch, there was a loud 'slam' or 'crack'. A bright white flash was observed in the area of the port engine followed by an orange fire and gray smoke.

The aircraft pitched nose up 10 degrees, started a rapid roll to the left. The port wing was observed to either 'fold' or 'depart' the aircraft.

This aircraft had highest number of wing fold lock discrepancies in the fleet.

Cause of the mishap was determined to be improper adjustment of the port wing fold latch catches, material failure of the port wing lock pins, and material failure of the first outboard wing lock.

Pilot error was a contributing factor.

Crew of 4 with 3 killed.

The TACCO survived by self-ejecting himself manually, in which his seat left seconds before the AW's seat which burned the AW's flight gear. The AW was ejected by command ejection sequence, but the parachute failed due to heat damage.

Source: JAG Investigation Report

Comments from JAG Report:

Final checker procedures to ensure wing fold latch catches are visually confirmed in place prior to launch.

When the stress exceeded 1.4Gs, the remaining lock pin was sheared off and the wing separated from the aircraft causing it to crash.

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