Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times

Bystanders’ help sought in Angels probe

Navy investigators have requested assistance from spectators who attended an air show Saturday as they try to find out what caused that show to end with a fiery crash that killed a Blue Angels pilot.

Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis, of Pittsfield, Mass., died in the crash.

The Aviation Mishap Board has asked for videotapes or photographs taken by spectators Saturday at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., that show Davis’ F/A-18 Hornet in the minutes before it crashed.

Eight people on the ground were injured when the Hornet crashed into a wooded residential area about 35 miles northwest of Hilton Head, S.C., but Marine officials have not provided updates on their conditions.

The Aviation Mishap Board, based in Norfolk, Va., typically examines videotapes and photographs, along with aircraft wreckage, maintenance records, witness interviews, control tower and cockpit voice recordings and the aviator’s medical and sleep history to determine the cause of Navy and Marine aircraft crashes.

Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge, a spokeswoman for MCAS Beaufort, said a board member announced Tuesday morning that the plane’s voice recorder had been found in good condition.

A statement released by Marine officials said that the average time it takes to complete an investigation is three months, but Arledge stressed that board members would take as long as they need.

Davis, 32, was in his second year with the team. Last year, he served as air show narrator; this year, he flew as the team’s opposing solo, often breaking away from the other pilots as they performed in formation.

Funeral services for Davis are still being finalized but are expected to be held in Pensacola, Fla., the Blue Angels’ home base, according to Mass Communications Chief Victor Brabble, spokesman for the Blue Angels.

Brabble said the team canceled its show next weekend at Vidalia, Ga., and returned to Pensacola to mourn.

He said the team hoped to resume its air show schedule May 5 and 6 at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Anyone who has video or photographs that could be useful to investigators is asked to call MCAS Beaufort at (843) 228-7121.

..........

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Discuss:

Blue Angel killed at air show