Pilot identified in fatal Thursday morning crash; was an AU employee

Officials inspect the wreckage of Thursday morning’s airplane crash on Friday, May 3. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

Daniel Field Airport from which the single-engine plane took off on Thursday morning. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

One person died following a plane crash that took place near the Summerville Campus a little after 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 2.

According to reports, the single-engine plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, departed from Daniel Field Airport on Thursday morning before crashing at Hillcrest Avenue at Belmount Drive.

Neighbors heard an explosion at 7:13 a.m. as the plane never got more than 600 feet off the ground after it took off.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the fatal crash.

Jason McKenzie, the pilot, was the only one on board the aircraft and was pronounced deceased. No one on the ground was injured. McKenzie was an experienced pilot with more than 800 hours logged, according to records through last year.

The flight plan stated that McKenzie was headed to New Haven, Conn.

McKenzie served as associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University.

At the Jags in the Park event on Thursday evening, McKenzie’s death was recognized, as he was “a member of the Augusta University family.”

“We ask that you please keep the family, friends and coworkers of Jason McKenzie in your thoughts and prayers,” said Rich Rogers, chair elect of AU’s Staff Council. “I know he would want us to celebrate tonight.”

This is a developing story.

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu