Senator John McCain and the USS Forrestal fire :

I Quote :


John McCain And The USS Forrestal Fire
USS Forrestal In 1967
132 Dead Sailors, And Countless Wounded
A Small Rocket Hit A Fuel Tank On Another Plane
Where Is The Truth Here?
I have heard five versions of the Forrestal fire,
but this one makes sense.
McCain Aviation Career
McCain crashed 5 jets, plus was responsible for
the Forrestal fire. Something made the plane
behind McCain fired a rocket, which hit McCain's
external center fuel tank, and caused a fire.
McCain panicked, and dropped two bombs into the
fire.

Did He Start The USS Forrestal Fire?

Surviving crewmen and those who investigated the
Forrestal fire case reported that McCain
deliberately 'wet-started' his A-4E Skyhawk to
shake up the guy in the F-4 Phantom behind his
plane.

Incompetence Or A Stunt

'Wet-starts', done either deliberately (the
starter motor switch allowed kerosene to pool in
the engine and give a wet start) or accidentally,
shoot a large flame from the tail of the aircraft.
'Wet starting' was a common practice among young
'hot-dog' pilots.

Zuni Rockets Were Volatile Design


In McCain's case, the 'wet-start' 'cooked off' and
launched the M34 Zuni rocket from the rear F-4
that punctured the Skyhawk's fueltank, knocked the
M-65 1000 lb bomb off it's 500 lb rated mount, and
touched off the explosions and massive fire.

The Carrier Oriskany

The USS Oriskany came along side to treat the
wounded.
Wounded Flown Out
They were transferred to other ships.
McCain Left With The Wounded
When the carrier Oriskany came along side, and
McCain was put in a chopper and whisked away.
McCain was the only Forrestal crewman to be
immediately transferred
The Forrestal Crew
I have a hunch McCain left for his own safety,
because the crew wanted blood.