A beloved father was killed after his plane hit a tree and burst into flames just steps from homes in a wealthy Georgia neighborhood.
Jason McKenzie, 45, was the only person on board the plane when it crashed Thursday morning.
The associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University took off from Daniel Field Airport bound for New Haven, Conn., and was returning to the airfield when his plane crashed into burning wreckage.
First responders said his piloting skills helped prevent further deaths or injuries. He is survived by his wife Stéphanie and their young son.
“I think it was a miracle,” neighbor Lisa Lewis told WRDW. “I think the Lord protected everyone.”
Beloved father Jason McKenzie was killed after his plane hit a tree and burst into flames just steps from homes in a wealthy Georgia neighborhood. Pictured: McKenzie with his wife and child
He had taken off from Daniel Field Airport bound for New Haven, Connecticut, and was returning to the airfield when his plane crashed. Pictured: McKenzie on a previous flight
The flaming wreckage crashed into a leafy neighborhood of Augusta, Georgia, around 7:13 a.m.
McKenzie’s single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed on Hillcrest Avenue near Belmont Drive around 7:13 a.m.
Flight records indicated it reached only 625 feet altitude before crashing a half-mile from the airport. The plane flew over a tree, tearing off the tip of the left wing, before crashing between two houses on the leafy street, where homes regularly sell for more than $1 million.
Relatives and colleagues paid tribute to the tragic pilot, described as a committed Christian and hard worker.
“Jason was a devoted husband, father and son. He loved his community, his work and his church,” Will Dyer, close to McKenzie, told WRDW.
“But most of all, I know that Jason loved Jesus. He was a faithful and committed disciple of Christ. His faith was the guiding principle in his life and I hope it was his faith that led him into eternity.
“His passion for the university and our athletic programs was unmatched. 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 wreckage fire and praised McKenzie for managing to avoid hitting other buildings.
Single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed on Hillcrest Avenue near Belmont Drive
The plane flew over a tree, tearing off the tip of the left wing (photo) before diving and catching fire.
Flight records indicated it reached only 625 feet altitude before crashing a half-mile from the airport. Pictured: McKenzie on a previous flight
McKenzie crashed in front of this million dollar home, but miraculously avoided causing additional casualties thanks to his piloting skills. The house was once an off-white color
Neighbors ran outside after hearing the plane crash and found the burning wreckage crushed into the leafy street. Pictured: Another million-dollar home near the crash site
“We are very lucky and can only thank the pilot for this situation – for not involving another structure,” he said.
Neighbors described the terrifying moments before the plane went down.
“We hear planes all the time because we live near Daniel Field, but this time it’s a lot louder than usual, and it got louder and louder and it sounded like it was right outside the window,” Lewis added.
“A few seconds later, you sort of heard a sort of rustling sound and then a loud popping noise.
“The Lord controls all things. It could have been much worse.
McKenzie is survived by his wife Stephanie and their son
The devoted father was described as a committed family man and keen golfer in heartfelt tributes from friends.
The golf enthusiast was considered a hero by first responders for his quick thinking which helped prevent further injury.
Moments after the accident, power was cut to the affluent street, prompting panicked neighbors to flock outside.
They described seeing the flames at least two stories high.
Although the neighborhood is highly populated, homes are spread out, which officials say has helped minimize the impact.
The accident is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
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