The Day an A-4C Skyhawk Hung by a Thread

On December 7, 1966, aboard the USS America (CVA-66), the crew of Attack Squadron 36 (VA-36) witnessed a moment that would become one of the more surreal episodes in carrier aviation history. It was the kind of incident that, in hindsight, invites a chuckle—especially when no one was hurt, and the damage is minimal. But in the moment, it was a heart-stopping spectacle.

At precisely 15:21, an A-4C Skyhawk, Bureau Number 147828, piloted by Lieutenant (junior grade) K.W. Leuffen, was taxiing to a spot position on the bow following a routine recovery. The Skyhawk, a nimble and compact attack aircraft known for its reliability and agility, suddenly became a rogue missile on wheels. The brakes failed. In the blink of an eye, the aircraft rolled forward uncontrollably, breached the edge of the flight deck, and plunged nose-first over the bow.

But fate—and Navy engineering—intervened. The aircraft became entangled in the safety nets, suspended vertically over the ocean, its nose pointing toward the sea like a diver hesitating at the edge of a cliff. The pilot, remarkably calm, emerged from the cockpit, gripping a rope or cable, awaiting rescue. The crash and salvage crew sprang into action, recovering both aircraft and aviator with impressive efficiency.

The damage to the aircraft was limited. The pilot was uninjured. And the image of Leuffen, dangling from the cockpit of a jet hanging over the Atlantic, became an instant classic. His expression—somewhere between disbelief and bemused resignation—seemed to echo the sentiment of Will Rogers: “Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.”

This incident, while minor in terms of physical consequences, underscores the unpredictable nature of carrier operations. It’s a reminder that even in the most controlled environments, mechanical failure can turn routine into spectacle. It also highlights the professionalism and readiness of Navy personnel, whose swift actions prevented a potential tragedy.

For VA-36, the “Roadrunners,” this episode became part of squadron lore. And for the rest of us, it’s a story that blends drama, relief, and a touch of humor—proof that sometimes, the line between disaster and anecdote is held together by a safety net.