USS Forrestal nearly destroyed by undetonated Zuni rocket

By The BriefBrief

A 5-inch Zuni rocket struck an A-4E Skyhawk on USS Forrestal, igniting JP-5 after the warhead failed to detonate.

WHO: USS Forrestal (Forrestal-class aircraft carrier) and the Zuni rocket system

WHAT: A 5-inch Zuni rocket crossed the flight deck, struck A-4E Skyhawk No. 405, and its burning propellant ignited JP-5 beneath the aircraft.

WHEN: Reported Aug 16, 2026 at 8:34 AM ET

WHERE: USS Forrestal flight deck

WHY: The warhead did not detonate, and the motor and fragments tore open the Skyhawk’s external tank, igniting burning JP-5 beneath the aircraft.

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