'Hero' pilot diverts plane to avoid crashing into Georgia neighborhood before dying in fiery fall

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Jason McKenzie, a 45-year-old pilot from Augusta, is being hailed as a 'hero' after he maneuvered his plane to avoid crashing homes as his Beechcraft plane plunged to the ground in Georgia, reports Daily Mail. 

The Beechcraft crashed into a tree and caught fire in a posh neighborhood in Georgia just feet from houses. McKenzie was the sole person aboard the aircraft when it crashed landed on May 2 morning. 

Augusta pilot Jason McKenzie dies in plane crash 

McKenzie's single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed at Hillcrest Avenue near Belmont Drive around 7.13 am on May 2. He was the Associate Director of Philanthropy at Augusta University and was flying from Daniel Field Airport to New Haven, Connecticut, and was on his way back to the airport when his plane went down in flames. First responders said he was able to avoid more fatalities and injuries due to his piloting skills. McKenzie is survived by his wife Stephanie and their son.

According to flight data, he only reached an altitude of 625 feet before landing about 0.5 miles from the airport. After cutting off the tip of its left wing as it passed a tree, the plane fell between two homes in the quiet neighborhood, where homes often sell for more than $1 million.

Jason McKenzie remembered as a family man

The deceased pilot was remembered by family and colleagues, who described him as a devoted Christian and diligent worker. "I think that was a miracle," neighbor Lisa Lewis told WRDW. She added, " I think the Lord protected everyone else." 

"Jason was a devoted husband, father, and son. He loved his community, his work, and his church," McKenzie's close friend Will Dyer told WRDW. "But most of all, I know that Jason loved Jesus. He was a faithful and committed follower of Christ. His faith was the guiding principle in his life and I trust that his faith is what led him into eternity," Dyer added.  

"His passion for the university and our athletics programs was unsurpassed. We are keeping Jason's family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers," Dyer recalled. "We are very lucky and can only credit the pilot for that situation – for not involving another structure," he said.

Neighbors recall moment Jason McKenzie's plane crashed

 Neighbors described the terrifying moments before the aircraft plunged to the ground.

"We hear planes all the time because we live close to Daniel Field, but this time it was way louder than normal, and it got louder and louder and it just sounded like it was right outside the window," Lewis added.

The upscale area's power was cut off shortly after the crash, prompting panicked residents to rush outside. They reported seeing flames at least two stories high. Despite the neighborhood’s dense population, homes are spread out, which officials say has helped minimize the destruction. The NTSB is currently investigating the crash.

Internet mourns Jason McKenzie's death

Several social media users commented and mourned the death of McKenzie, saying, "Prayers and comfort to his family." 

A user wrote, "Prayers for his family. He died trying to save others from hurt or death. That's a hero." 

Another user said, "Such a tragic end thankfully he cared enough to do his best to the end...." A user wrote, "This is so heartbreaking." Another user said, "Peace to the family." A user wrote, "Praying for his family and friends." 

Another user wrote, "He lost his life to save other from getting hurt or even dying." Another said, "May his soul RIP."

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