A Fallen Angel by velocicrapper
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Description
Unfortunatly, this story does not have a happy ending like the previous story of Glacier Girl. On Saturday, April 22, 2007 (yesterday) the USN Blue Angels were performing a routine show at Beaufort, South Carolina. It was the last manuver before the end of the show when the 6 aircraft, composed of 4 diamond pilots and 2 solo pilots flying Boeing F/A-18A Hornets when Solo #6, Lt. Commander Kevin Davis, suddenly dropped downward, clipping trees and crashing into a pine tree field sending debris into a nearby residental area injuring 8 people. Lt. Commander Kevin Davis was killed immediatly.
It's heart breaking to hear when any of these amazing demonstration teams have a fatal crash such as this. The Blue Angels have not has a fatality since 1999. So far the cause is unknown, however there's speculation that it may have been an engine failure due to sucking a bird into the engine, which apparently are a big danger for fighter jets in that area.
This shot was taken two months at the USN Blue Angels' winter home at NAF El Centro. This was the first airshow and first 'public' performance of the team for the 2007 season. This is a shot of Lt. Commander Kevin Davis in the #6 solo plane flying past after a manuver. Unfortunatly, this was the only time I was able to see and photograph the Blue Angels since. I had the pleasure of meeting Blue Angels 1-6 after the airshow and briefly chatting with them, including Lt. Commander Kevin Davis. He will be missed by many in the airshow/aviation world. He was the USN Blue Angels' narriator for the 2006 season. 2007 was his last year on the team and first time as solo pilot.
Thoughts and prayers out to everyone who knew Lt. Commander Kevin Davis. May you fly high with new angels.
Comments (15)
chrissy16
Beautiful image!!!!!
Riguel
:(
Dann-O
Yes read that myself. Great capture.
wastl001
Excellent shot, sad story!!
B_PEACOCK
That is sad man . These guys I look up to them . Everytime they take off could be thier last. But they do it anyways.
mermin
Oh :( ....peace has its heart
itsumama
Thanks for posting and dedicating. That is a super shot. I heard about the crash on the news last night and was wondering...thanks for filling us in. What a tradgedy! I know that Kevin Davis would probably really feel terrible if he knew he had hurt people on the ground. I know that even in the most dire circumstances these highly trained pilots are concerned with crash location...always at least attempting (if possible) to avoid the populated areas. Thanks again :o)b
Thelby
Awesome dedication to a fine person and pilot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buffalo1
My comment on mermin's Blue Angels capture also applies to this one.Your superb photograph is a fine tribute to a great pilot and all the Angels and Thunderbirds who have "touched the face of God." We done, Britt. A prayer for his family and those injured!
Denger
The Blue Angels pilots make precision flying appear so effortless, it is easy to forget how deadly are the craft in which they fly. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family; also to the individuals injured, and their families. An appropriate memorial to a exemplary naval aviator, Britt.
bkhook
Beautiful dedication... I am saddened to hear of this trajedy...
AeroJett
I first heard about the crash this morning from my ROTC instructor and was surprised. This photo is a worthy tribute.
lookit
great picture
TheRapier
Very sorry to hear this. It is hard to lose anyone. In a way it is fortunate that it happened with the solo and not one of the leads. Based on the way these guys fly (each pilot watching and flying only in relation to the lead plane, not to the ground), had it been one of the leads several of the planes might have gone in.
bmac62
Great photo. Thanks for the outstanding notes that accompany your posting. The story adds a lot to the dimensions captured in the visual image.