According to a fulfilled Freedom of Information Act request obtained by The Virginian-Pilot (a media organization) we now know that what you’re about to see in a scary minute of footage (below) occurred, on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower back in March, because of a human error. The United States Navy says that maintenance personnel missed “two ‘critical steps’ while working on an engine that helps operate the carrier flight deck’s cables”. Because of this, they never held the aircraft, and it slipped nearly into the sea.

While it could’ve been way worse, the incident was still very costly. Eight sailors were injured, and some seriously. The severity ranged from broken ankles to skull and neck fractures to one sailor suffering a “possible traumatic brain injury.”

More from The Virginian-Plot:

The report credits the “phenomenal airmanship” by the Hawkeye’s crew. The plane landed safely at Norfolk Naval Station, where it is part of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123, or “Screwtops.”

The Hawkeye is an early warning, turboprop aircraft used for command and control. It is recognizable by its 24-foot-diameter radar rotodome, a large disc attached to its upper fuselage.

A command investigation into the incident included recommendations for the development of additional controls for troubleshooting the carrier’s aircraft recovery system as well as a review of the system’s procedures to add necessary warnings, cautions and quality assurance.

It also included recommendations that Capt. Paul Spedero, commanding officer of the Ike, consider formal counseling, fitness evaluations, qualification removal, requalification or administrative actions for three others whose names were redacted.

It’s no wonder the Navy commended the crew for one helluva recovery — something that could only stem from a bunch of savvy and experienced operators with a tremendous collective flight acumen.

All you have to do is watch the video to realize it: