• BuNo: 159754
• Location: USS Independence
• Date: Fri 15-Oct-1982
• Cause: Catapult Malfuntion
• Findings: At approximately 0725 hours during launch off USS Independence, aircraft was launched from Catapult 3 and failed to achieve sufficient speed for flight and the aircrew ejected.
  
  Catapult 3 failed to fire when commanded and subsequently fired uncommanded.
  
  The extent of maintenance on the catapult was not well communicated and the scope of repair was increased without further permission. Catapult officer was unaware any maintenance had been performed.
  
  At least two no-load test launches shall be fired two hours prior to the first scheduled launch of each day's operation.
  
  In addition, two no-load test launches shall be fired after any repairs on the catapult control systems have been completed.
  
  Cause of mishap was a malfunction by a partially opened Hydraulic Launch Valve Control Valve Isolation Valve for the launching engine system.
  
  Crew of 4 ejected.
  
  First successful ejection of all 4 crewmen.
  
  Source: JAG Investigation Report
  
  Comments from JAG Report:
  
  Cause of loss was determined to be faulty procedures for conducting catapult corrective maintenance.
  
  Failed to properly 'Red Tag' the catapult in order to signal the extent of maintenance performed.
  
  These conditions directly resulted in the non-performance of the required 'No Load' catapult test firings.

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