Upon returning to NAS Willow Grove, PA from a training flight, with about 1400 lbs. of fuel, the right main landing gear was locked up and would not extend. An emergency was declared. The tower asked for some time for the alert to mobilize the base for an arrested landing (Morest).

I pulled up and “held” to a fuel lower fuel state than I preferred. I reentered the pattern with 800 lbs. On approach, with no knowledge of the Morest status, an S2F pilot insisting on his ATC clearance would not clear the air. I had to go around. This put me at a low state. I could not reach the coastline to eject now. My Morest would be a one shot deal and I had to count on no hook skip. 

The landing and arrestment were good, with the F8’s wing contacting the runway at zero ground speed. No other part of the airplane touched the ground. 

Just for drill, I tried to get out of the aircraft ASAP. I went over the side but my oxygen hose caught on the canopy rail, hanging me by my helmet. I peeled off the helmet  which gave me a long scratch on the side of my face. The outer wing panel was the only change needed to make the airplane flyable.

Note: Pictures 6 & 7 show the wire being stretched.    Picture 9 shows the contact points.

L.S. (Pete) Kenney
VMF 511
Lt Col     USMCR