Strapped inside the cockpit of an A4 Skyhawk, John McCain narrowly escaped serious injury 41 years ago today

41 years ago today, Lt. Commander John McCain was strapped into the cockpit of a fighter jet on the USS Forestal when a missile accidentally fired. The missile struck a plane on the flight deck, causing an explosion of gasoline, bombs, and shrapnel. The fuel tanks on McCain's plane were hit. A dozen planes were on the flight deck, loaded with bombs in preparation for a mission. Watch this amazing footage (1:07).

Below is a photo taken during the incident. 134 men were killed and 20 planes were destroyed. Wikipedia on the USS Forestal here.

Hat tip: Flopping Aces

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