A tragic accident struck the U.S. Navy’s elite Blue Angels demonstration team when one of their F/A-18 Hornet jets crashed during a practice session in Smyrna, Tennessee, resulting in the death of the pilot.
The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. during a routine practice flight ahead of the Great Tennessee Air Show. Witnesses near the Smyrna Airport reported seeing the jet maneuvering at high speed before it suddenly lost control, clipped a tree line, and exploded upon impact in a nearby field. Thick black smoke was visible for miles as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
The Navy later confirmed the death of the pilot, Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, a 32-year-old from Durango, Colorado. Capt. Kuss had been a member of the Blue Angels since 2014 and was flying the No. 6 jet, typically used for solo performances in the demonstration team’s formation.According to the Navy, Capt. Kuss was completing a maneuver when the crash occurred. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. The jet was one of six aircraft used by the Blue Angels, who are renowned for their high-speed, high-precision flying that pushes the limits of both pilot and machine.
The crash site was quickly secured by military and local law enforcement officials. No one on the ground was injured, but several buildings and vehicles in the vicinity were damaged by debris. The safety of the public was a top priority as first responders worked to extinguish the fire and assess the damage.
Comments
Post a Comment