MigBuster 2,884 Posted November 29, 2015 In the early morning hours on July 4th, 1986, 21-year-old Lance Corporal Howard A. Foote Jr. climbed a ladder leading into the cockpit of an A-4M Skyhawk. He started the jet up, taxied to one of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro’s runways—which was unlit at the time—and pushed the throttles forward. Moments later, the Lance Corporal would realize his dream to fly a tactical military jet, albeit just once and illegally. Foote flew out toward San Clemente Island, executing loops, rolls and high-speed maneuvers before turning back to MCAS El Toro after about 45 minutes to attempt a landing. This time, the runways were all very well lit and the base was buzzing with activity due to his “borrowing” of the jet. After several landing attempts, the Skyhawk maintainer put the A-4M down safely and was quickly detained after exiting the cockpit. There was little doubt that the whole stunt was extremely dangerous, but it was also an amazing accomplishment although Foote was no novice to flying. He was an accomplished glider pilot who set world records at a very young age. http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-tale-of-when-a-marine-mechanic-stole-an-a-4-skyhawk-1745015819 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snailman 517 Posted November 29, 2015 (edited) I would have done the same) I see they weren't too strict with the punishment... no damage done, only fuel burned Edited November 29, 2015 by Snailman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xrearl 27 Posted November 29, 2015 (edited) I remember that flight,we lived in Tustin at the time.I wounder what charges he received. Edited November 29, 2015 by xrearl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JonathanRL 974 Posted November 29, 2015 They really threw the book at him... A load of charges were brought against the Lance Corporal, including misappropriating the truck he used to get to the aircraft and the Skyhawk itself, as well as damaging an aircraft and disobeying regulations. He was also charged with hazarding a vessel, flying without proper training or approval and recklessly disregarding the plane’s mechanical condition at the time of flight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KJakker 907 Posted November 30, 2015 They really threw the book at him... What is interesting to me is what the Foxtrot Alpha article says happened to him afterwards. In the end, none of this occurred. In November 1986, Foote received four-and-a-half months already served in the brig, and an other-than-honorable discharge from the Marine Corps. It was a remarkably light sentence for such a dangerous and selfish act. But Foote had been a stellar Marine, with absolutely nothing on his record prior to show a pattern of misbehavior or irresponsibility. The General’s influence on him, and his injury in relation to it, was likely factored into the sentence. After trying to apply to the Israeli Air Force to fly fighters, Howard Foote Jr. went on to become a civilian test pilot and engineer, working on various projects over the years, including a microwave airplane concept and projects for NASA. Link to LA Time article: All Counts Dropped Against Marine for Jet Fighter Joy Ride by Gary Jarlson, Staff Writer, LA Times, November 7th, 1986. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
