To: Rotorbike
Although not totally conversant with the entire situation I can only report the facts, as I know them. There had to be a strong relative wind flowing across the deck from stem to stern due to the ships' movement through the water. And, there may have been as you indicated a strong updraft, which may have caused a confusing, wind state with the updraft mixing with the longitudinal flow. This was coupled with the possible lift differential across the rotor disc caused by one side of the disc in the stable airflow while advancing and the other side of the disc in the confused airflow while retreating. If I could, I would place a very large ? at this point. Is it possible that it was due to a flap/blow back situation caused by the strong airflow across the deck (20-35 Knots)?
On the present helicopter carriers (LHA) the helicopters and the Harriers are aligned with the centerline of the ship however on the CH-53s a part of the rotor may be over the side but then again the CH-53s have more than adequate power where the HRSs only had 600-700 Horsepower availavle.
