A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
(OP)
Guys...
A great civilian friend... "Dire Strate"... who is also a highly experienced fighter support engineer/tech with many months [years?] in combat theaters... sent me photos of a failed crane-lifting operation.
The goal was to lift the A-4 into position so it could be bolted to a pedestal mount. The jet had been freshly restored after it was damaged by heavy winds several years prior.
What actually occurred was a frightening and heart-breaking crane-lift operation that seriously damaged the aircraft; and could have injured, or killed, several people.
The photos, and our running commentary, are included in the attachment. Many lessons/points are obvious to seasoned crash recovery folks; and represent a learning opportunity for all.
A great civilian friend... "Dire Strate"... who is also a highly experienced fighter support engineer/tech with many months [years?] in combat theaters... sent me photos of a failed crane-lifting operation.
The goal was to lift the A-4 into position so it could be bolted to a pedestal mount. The jet had been freshly restored after it was damaged by heavy winds several years prior.
What actually occurred was a frightening and heart-breaking crane-lift operation that seriously damaged the aircraft; and could have injured, or killed, several people.
The photos, and our running commentary, are included in the attachment. Many lessons/points are obvious to seasoned crash recovery folks; and represent a learning opportunity for all.
Regards, Wil Taylor
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RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.
RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
If the outrigger broke and it wasn't due to an overload (possibly the load swinging in a breeze), there's not much the crew could have done different. Other than inspecting their equipment before use.
RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure
It would be interesting to read the accident report when available. --- Grandpa
RE: A-4 Skyhawk Crane-Lift Failure