...
In addition to loss of life and sufferings many of the aircrew were soon to experience - a little known incident prior to the event involved one of the
Hornets ground crew -
The flight deck of a carrier with aircraft on engine run ups can be
a hazardous place under normal conditions - At the time of the take-offs the Hornets deck was heaving in heavy seas and strong winds - It was under these conditions that one of the ground crew slipped and lost an
arm from a B25 prop.
...