News Summary
A final report from the NTSB has determined that pilot error was responsible for the fatal crash of a Beechcraft Bonanza A36 in Augusta. Pilot Jason McKenzie died after the aircraft entered an accelerated stall shortly after takeoff. Details reveal he attempted a steep turn at low altitude, leading to the crash into trees. Despite the tragic outcome, McKenzie was hailed a local hero for averting further casualties. The incident emphasizes the need for enhanced pilot training and safety measures.
Augusta, Georgia – A final report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed the fatal crash of a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 on May 2, 2024, to pilot error. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Daniel Field at 7:12 a.m., resulted in the death of the pilot, Jason McKenzie, following an accelerated aerodynamic stall caused by excessive turn rate and bank angle.
The NTSB investigation revealed that McKenzie was attempting to make a left turn while flying at an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 feet. The aircraft continued to turn for about 30 seconds before crash-landing into trees near Hillcrest Avenue and Belmont Drive. The analysis indicated that the plane reached a maximum altitude of 300 feet and a calibrated airspeed of 90 knots. Witnesses reported the airplane was flying very low, with a loud engine noise and without visible smoke.
Upon crashing, the aircraft struck the tops of oak trees, severing the outboard half of its left wing before it landed upright in a front yard and burst into flames. Sound spectrum analysis showed the propeller was operating at nearly 2,700 RPM, indicating the engine was at maximum throttle during the incident. McKenzie died from inhalation of superheated products of combustion, and authorities ruled the manner of death as an accident.
McKenzie, 39, was regarded as a local hero, credited with avoiding further casualties on the ground. At the time of the crash, he held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate with 810 total flight hours recorded as of March 23, 2023. Toxicological tests showed the presence of acetaminophen, naproxen, and a non-impairing metabolite of fexofenadine in his system, but no evidence of alcohol or other impairing drugs was found.
The Beechcraft Bonanza A36, manufactured in 1999 and registered to WBME—a limited-liability corporation formed in October 2023—was under new ownership. This was the first flight conducted under WBME’s ownership. The aircraft had undergone several flights in the 72 hours leading up to the crash, and its airworthiness certificate was valid until 2030. It had previously been owned by an entity based in California.
The details from the NTSB report include a comprehensive breakdown of the circumstances leading up to the crash, stressing how the excessive turn rate and steep bank angle led to a loss of control shortly after takeoff. This incident underscores the critical importance of pilot awareness of flight conditions, as well as the need for adherence to safety protocols during the initial ascent phase.
The crash site, located in a notably residential area, raised initial concerns about potential injuries to bystanders. However, McKenzie’s actions during the emergency likely prevented further casualties, reaffirming his status as a beloved figure in the community. Investigators continue to emphasize the need for pilot education and ongoing training to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
As the aviation community processes the findings of this tragic event, discussions on safety measures and pilot qualifications will take center stage, with hopes that lessons learned will contribute to enhanced safety in general aviation going forward.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: NTSB Releases Final Report on Augusta Deadly Plane Crash
- Wikipedia: Aviation Accident
- WJBF: NTSB Releases Final Report on Deadly 2024 Plane Crash in Augusta
- Google Search: Augusta plane crash NTSB
- Augusta Chronicle: Sharp Turn Stalled Plane Before Fatal Augusta Crash
- Google Scholar: NTSB plane crash
- The Augusta Press: NTSB Fatal Daniel Field Crash Caused by Sudden Turn After Takeoff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plane Crash
- WJBF Video: NTSB Releases Final Report on Deadly 2024 Plane Crash in Augusta
- 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.
