News Summary
A plane crash in Augusta resulted in the death of pilot Jason McKenzie. The NTSB report revealed he lost control due to an aggressive turn at low altitude. Despite the aircraft being mechanically sound, McKenzie succumbed to heat inhalation after a cockpit fire triggered by impact. The tragic incident has deeply affected the local community, mourning the loss of a respected figure known for his contributions at Augusta University.
Augusta, Georgia – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a tragic plane crash that resulted in the death of pilot Jason McKenzie in May 2024. The investigation concluded that McKenzie lost control of the aircraft due to an overly aggressive turn at low speed and altitude, leading to an engine stall shortly before the crash.
The incident took place on May 2, 2024, at approximately 7 a.m., when McKenzie was attempting to return to Daniel Field airport. Witnesses reported that he executed a sharp turn just before the aircraft went down, crashing onto the front lawn of a house located at the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Belmont Drive. The crash was characterized by an excessive turn rate and bank angle, which ultimately caused the plane to stall and collide with the terrain.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, struck a large oak tree, resulting in damage that severed part of its left wing before plummeting into the residential area. Eyewitnesses noted they heard loud engine noise preceding the crash but did not observe any signs of smoke or flames.
Following the crash, medical examiners from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) determined that McKenzie died due to inhalation of superheated combustion products, indicating that a fire had erupted in the cockpit after the impact. Toxicological tests showed that McKenzie had traces of acetaminophen, naproxen, and a metabolite of fexofenadine in his system but did not identify any impairing substances.
An examination of the aircraft revealed that it was mechanically sound before the flight. The NTSB found no preexisting malfunctions in the post-accident assessment, leading to the conclusion that the crash was not attributable to mechanical error. Flight records indicated that the Beechcraft Bonanza had been operated multiple times in the 72 hours leading up to the incident, completing several trips without issues.
The airplane, manufactured in 1999, was under the ownership of a limited liability corporation named WBME since November 2023. Although it had an operational certificate valid until 2030, the aircraft had been in use under WBME’s management since February 2024. Sound analysis performed during the investigation revealed that the plane’s propeller was operating at nearly maximum RPM at the time of the accident.
Jason McKenzie was well-regarded in the Augusta community, known for his role as the associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University since 2020. His contributions to the university and local community had earned him respect and recognition, making the news of his tragic passing a significant loss for many.
In summary, the NTSB’s report has painted a clear picture of the factors leading up to the Augusta plane crash that claimed the life of Jason McKenzie. The investigation focused on pilot actions, aircraft condition, and surrounding circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, leading to insights that will be essential for improving future aviation safety standards.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle
- Google Search: Augusta plane crash NTSB report
- WRDW News
- Wikipedia: Aviation accidents and incidents
- WJBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aircraft accident
- WRDW Video News
- Google News: Augusta plane crash
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
