- Jason McKenzie died after his plane hit a tree on Thursday
- The fiery crash landed in Augusta, Georgia, around 7.10 am
- The father of one used his piloting skills to prevent further injuries or deaths.
A beloved father died after his plane crashed into a tree and burst into flames just inches from their homes in a wealthy Georgia neighborhood.
Doting father Jason McKenzie, associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University, was the only person aboard the plane when it crash-landed Thursday morning.
He had taken off from Daniel Field Airport bound for New Haven, Connecticut and was returning to the airfield when his plane crashed in a fire.
Rescuers said their piloting skills ensured there were no more deaths or injuries. He is survived by his wife Stephanie and his young son.
“I think it was a miracle,” said neighbor Lisa Lewis. WRDW. “I think the Lord protected everyone else.”
Beloved dad Jason McKenzie died after his plane hit a tree and burst into flames just inches from his homes in a wealthy Georgia neighborhood.
The fiery crash landed in a wooded neighborhood of Augusta, Georgia, around 7:10 a.m.
McKenzie’s single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed on Hillcrest Avenue at Belmont Drive around 7:13 a.m.
Flight records indicated that it only reached 625 feet of altitude before crashing.
The plane clipped a tree, tearing off the tip of its left wing before crash-landing between two houses on the tree-lined street, where homes routinely sell for $1 million or more.
Loved ones and colleagues paid tribute to the tragic pilot, who was described as a committed Christian and diligent worker.
‘Jason was a devoted husband, father and son. He loved his community, his work and his church,” said Will Dyer, McKenzie’s close friend.
‘But most of all, I know that Jason loved Jesus. He was a faithful and committed follower of Christ. His faith was the guiding principle of his life and I trust that his faith is what took him to eternity.’
‘His passion for the university and our athletic programs was second to none. “We keep Jason’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers,” AU said in a statement.
Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden said first responders were able to contain the fire and praised McKenzie for managing to avoid hitting other buildings.
He had taken off from Daniel Field Airport bound for New Haven, Connecticut and was returning to the airfield when his plane crashed. In the photo: McKenzie with his wife and son.
“We are very fortunate and we can only give credit to the pilot for that situation, for not involving another structure,” he said.
Neighbors described the terrifying moments before the plane hit the ground.
“We hear planes all the time because we live near Daniel Field, but this time it was much louder than normal, and it got louder and louder and sounded like it was right outside the window,” one resident told WRDW.
“A few seconds later, you heard some sort of cracking sound and then a loud pop sound.”
‘The Lord is in control of all things. It could have been much worse”.
