This is not a drill.

Could be, if you don't move fast enough...

This is what happens when you do not attach weapon properly or the mount fails. I was told this happens once in a while when I was serving onboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) but never actually saw it happen.

I am by no means an expert, I have attached weapons to attack helicopters, but not AA Missles, but I'm guessing you're right. It would appear to me that the plane had just landed, as I can't see a track for the catapult.

But no matter what, still funny!

Yeah those planes take a lot of abuse when landing.

And yes it'* funny looking at that picture but can you imagine the pucker factor on the deck during that few seconds.

Gotta wonder about the pucker factor in the cockpit. Probably just got back from a successful mission, waiting to park the plane and grab some chow, when Vooom! Missles Away!!

Imagine the pucker factor in this cockpit:



Very hot Takeoff.
Fuel Tank Filler Cap insecurely fastened.
On wheels off tank got pressurised and blew off the cap.
The white stuff you see is fuel, not smoke.
This does not combine well with the afterburner.
Pilot ejected safely.

Bird Farm sailor huh? Gator Navy.

The Kennedy was my second ship. My first was a sub-tender, it was the USS Canopus (AS-34). I was a HT on active duty and GMG in the reserves. I think I'm going to re-enlist in the reserves as an EO when I loose some weight.