The Full Story Behind the F-14 Tomcat Crash in Nashville

Support this channel by using the SUPER THANKS (heart icon above) or by becoming a Patron at https://www.patreon.com/wardcarroll Buy one or all three of the books in the PUNK'S TRILOGY, Ward's popular first three novels about life a Tomcat squadron, at https://www.usni.org/punks-trilogy-reissue. Use the PUNKYT discount code at checkout for 25% off to YouTube channel subscribers. Get official channel gear at https://my-store-b7f9c9.creator-spring.com On January 29, 1996, a VF-213 F-14A crashed after performing a high-performance takeoff out of Nashville International Airport. The pilot, LCDR Stacy Bates, who had gone through the training that turned radar intercept officers into pilots, was known as an outstanding officer but a marginal pilot. This high performance takeoff was uncharacteristic for this pilot known for meticulous flight planning and strict adherence to the rules, but mishap investigators came to the conclusion he was showing off for his parents who were watching from a restaurant at the airport. The pilot, RIO, and three civilians on the ground were killed in the crash. Outro song: "Navy Hymn" (aviator verse) Correction: LT Higgins callsign was "HOB" ("head of bone"), not "Hawg." (Thanks to Purple Hayes for relaying that information.)