A US Navy Blue Angels jet flew so low over Pensacola Beach, Florida, on Wednesday that its powerful thrust sent deckchairs and umbrellas flying, stunning beachgoers. The elite flight demonstration squadron is now conducting a thorough safety review of the incident.
Shocking Flyby Caught on Video
Frightening social media footage shows the Super Hornet aircraft hurtling just feet above the heads of families watching an air display on the packed shoreline. Aviation enthusiasts were filming another jet at a distance when the second aircraft suddenly appeared directly overhead. The thrust from the engine was so intense that it knocked over chairs and umbrellas, leaving some parents cradling their children in shock while others cheered.
The aircraft was so close that the letters “US Navy” on its wings were clearly visible in the footage shared online, according to witnesses.
Blue Angels Statement and Safety Review
In a statement, the Blue Angels said the team was “conducting a thorough safety review” and acknowledged that the flyby resulted in “a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas.” The statement added: “The safety of our hometown community, spectators, and our pilots is our highest priority. Team leadership is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and conducting a thorough safety review to ensure all operations adhere to strict Navy and FAA safety standards.”
Witness Reactions: Fear and Amazement
Beachgoer Ashley Korn told ABC News that she thought she was going to be “taken out” by the aircraft but added: “I’ve been coming for 10 years and I’ve never seen a pass like that in my life. I literally thought we were going to be taken out by Blue Angels, but it was amazing.”
Another spectator, Samantha Mayne, described the jet as looking “huge because it was so close.” She said: “All of our tents got knocked down. It was worth it. It was awesome.”
Context of the Air Show
The Pensacola Beach Air Show takes place over three days every July. This year’s event was a bumper celebration for America’s 250th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the Blue Angels. Despite the close encounter with a jet capable of reaching 1,190 mph, the crowd, mostly aviation fans, appeared enthused by the experience.
Recent Similar Incident
The investigation comes after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reversed a ban on eight Apache helicopter pilots who were suspended following a low-flying incident during US Independence Day celebrations on July 4. Video footage from the “Salute from the Shore” event showed National Guard pilots flying extremely low over packed beaches in North and South Carolina. The South Carolina National Guard confirmed the suspensions of those pilots had been lifted.
