A preliminary investigative report found no recorded distress call prior to the May 2 crash of a small plane in an Augusta neighborhood near Daniel Field Airport.
The crash killed the only person aboard, 45-year-old Martinez pilot Jason McKenzie, a director of philanthropy at Augusta University.
Initial data revealed the plane left Runway 5 at Daniel Field Airport at 7:12 a.m., headed for Tweed/New Haven Airport in New Haven, Conn., the National Transportation Safety Board report said.
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The plane proceeded a half-nautical mile from the runway and began to make a left turn, about 200-300 feet above the ground, for about 30 seconds, then crashed into the top of mature oak trees, it said.
A section of the outboard wing lodged in a tree about 60 feet above the ground, while the rest of the plane crashed upright into the front yard of a residence, it said.
A post-accident fire then consumed the cockpit and cabin, according to the report.
Investigators found the plane’s landing gear was extended, while its wing flaps were retracted, in the flight position.
Local residents living near the crash site at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and Belmont Drive provided household surveillance video in which the crash could be heard, but not seen, the report said.
Funeral arrangements for McKenzie have been announced. Visitation is 4-6 p.m. Friday at Platt’s Funeral Home in Evans. Funeral services are at 3 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Augusta.
A Gofundme page has been established to support McKenzie’s wife and 8-year-old son.
It says McKenzie died a hero because he did all he could to avoid striking the numerous houses in the neighborhood.
