<p>The plane was returning from the bombing range. There are very few reasons to RTB with a very inexpensive Mk 76, weather, aircraft emergency, or fuel state being the primary reasons. Very likely, the reason was “hung” ordnance. The bomb failed to release as it should. They were most likely in a section and the planes checked each other on the way home. When the bomb was discovered, they most likely detoured out over the Atlantic and tried dislodging it with a series of high g maneuvers. </p>
<p>They do come off. A live 500 pounder skipping up the flight deck after an aircraft trap, decapitating a young E-3 serving his country, whose family is on food stamps, is a true tragedy.</p>