When an arresting cable breaks on a US aircraft carrier, it can lead to a potentially dangerous and challenging situation during aircraft recovery operations. The arresting cable, also known as the “tailhook,” is a vital component of the carrier’s landing system, responsible for safely stopping landing aircraft.
When an aircraft approaches the carrier for landing, its tailhook must engage with one of the arresting cables stretched across the deck. The force of the tailhook catching the cable rapidly decelerates the aircraft, allowing it to come to a complete stop within a short distance…