December 1976, the squadron boarded USS Coral Sea (CV 43) for carrier qualifications. On 7 December 1976, a Phantom (F-4J, BUNO 153875) crewed by the CAG Landing Safety Officer, Lieutenant Cdr. Burns and RIO Lieutenant (JG) Checchio suffered the loss of an afterburner on launch. Both crewmen ejected safely. Although the rescue helicopter was on scene 18 seconds later, by the time the swimmer was in the water, the pilot was seen to be dragged under the surface by his parachute. Lieutenant Cdr. Richard Burns was lost. Lieutenant (JG) Mark Checchio was recovered with minor injuries.
December 1976, the squadron boarded USS Coral Sea (CV 43) for carrier qualifications. On 7 December 1976, a Phantom (F-4J, BUNO 153875) crewed by the CAG Landing Safety Officer, Lieutenant Cdr. Burns and RIO Lieutenant (JG) Checchio suffered the loss of an afterburner on launch. Both crewmen ejected safely. Although the rescue helicopter was on scene 18 seconds later, by the time the swimmer was in the water, the pilot was seen to be dragged under the surface by his parachute. Lieutenant Cdr. Richard Burns was lost. Lieutenant (JG) Mark Checchio was recovered with minor injuries.
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