WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | One Year Later: Residents Recall Deadly Blue Angel Crash
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You can still see the damage to some homes.
BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WTOC) - One year ago today, Blue Angel pilot Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis crashed as he was rendezvousing with the rest of the Blue Angels at the Beaufort Air Show over Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Air show spectators watched in horror and disbelief as his F/A-18 Hornet fell out of formation and below the tree line. The jet burst into flames and crashed in the Laurel Bay community on Pine Grove Road, killing Davis.
The crash also injured eight people on the ground and damaged several homes. Residents have been talking about it ever since it happened. They've moved forward with their lives, but even though they live so close to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, they never expected something like this to happen here.
"We haven't gotten it fixed yet," said Sarah Smith, pointing to the still broken outer pane of her double pane front window. "I think the guy is supposed to be coming this week."
Sarah Smith's window was knocked out from flying debris from the crash. She was actually at the air show when it happened. Her grandfather was home alone. She never dreamed the crash would literally hit next door.
"My grandpa told me he heard a big boom and he didn't know what it was," she said. "He thought they had broken the sound barrier and he came outside and there was a fire in the yard."
The Smith family was fortunate. A few others, like Shalanda Smoaks, whose roof caved in, had serious damage. One year later, there are still signs of the crash. The people who lived in one house on the corner, still covered with tarp, have since moved away. Other homes have been repaired or even replaced, but no one who lives in this quiet community will ever forget what happened a year ago.
"I thought it was part of the show," said Chris Holmes, who lives right down the street from the crash. "I saw the flames and the smoke and I told my daughter and a little while later they came running down the street, saying a plane had crashed," she said.
"It was terrible," said Ambrose Avery, gesturing down the street. "That intersection was all loaded with debris and all kinds of stuff."
Ambrose Avery was on his way home from Augusta when a neighbor told him about the crash. A piece of the wreckage put a hole in his roof. Weeks after investigators left, he was still finding debris in his backyard.
"They combed the area very good and they picked up a lot," he said, fingering some small pieces he found. "This is some that's left that they missed."
In the year since the crash, neighbors have moved on with their lives, but some like Chris Holmes, are taking a little time to pray today for the family of Blue Angel pilot, Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis.
"That they can recover from this and go on with their lives," she said. "That's all anyone can ask. That God will be with them."
No one on the ground was seriously injured, but some residents said they're still nervous when jets fly overhead. A few have retained lawyers and some still have outstanding claims for property damage. The Blue Angels were back in the skies three weeks after the crash after taking part in a private memorial service with the family of Lt. Commander Kevin Davis.
They canceled their appearance in Vidalia last year, but they made a point to be in Vidalia this weekend, performing at this year's Vidalia Air Show, April 26 and 27.
Reported by: Liz Flynn, lflynn@wtoc.com
