Beloved father is killed as his plane smashes into wealthy neighborhood and bursts into flames just inches away from multi-million dollar mansions – as his final act of heroism is revealed
- Jason McKenzie was killed Thursday after his plane hit a tree
- The fiery wreckage crashed around 7:10 a.m. in Augusta, Georgia
- The father of one used his flying skills to prevent other injuries or deaths
A beloved father has died after his plane struck a tree and burst into flames inches from homes in an affluent Georgia neighborhood.
Loving father Jason McKenzie, associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University, was the only person aboard the plane when it crashed Thursday morning.
He had taken off from Daniel Field Airport en route to New Haven, Connecticut and was returning to the airport when his plane crashed in a fiery wreck.
First responders said his flying skills prevented any further deaths or injuries. He is survived by his wife Stephanie and their son.
“I think that was a miracle,” neighbor Lisa Lewis said WRDW. “I think the Lord protected everyone else.”
Beloved father Jason McKenzie was killed after his plane struck a tree and burst into flames inches from homes in an affluent Georgia neighborhood
The fiery wreckage crashed around 7:10 a.m. in Augusta, Georgia
He had taken off from Daniel Field Airport en route to New Haven, Connecticut and was returning to the airport when his plane crashed. Pictured: McKenzie with his wife and child
McKenzie’s single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed on Hillcrest Avenue near Belmont Drive around 7:13 a.m.
Flight data indicated that it only reached an altitude of 200 meters before crashing.
The plane flew past a tree that tore off the left wingtip before making an emergency landing between two houses on the green street.
Relatives and colleagues paid tribute to the tragic pilot, who was described as a dedicated Christian and diligent worker.
“Jason was a devoted husband, father and son. He loved his community, his work and his church,” said Will Dyer, a close friend of McKenzie.
“But most of all, I know Jason loved Jesus. He was a faithful and devoted follower of Christ. His faith was the guiding principle in his life and I trust that his faith has led him to eternity.”
“His passion for the university and our athletic programs was unsurpassed. We keep Jason’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers,” AU said in a statement.