Blue Angel Solo Flight Crash During Airshow

April 21, 2007 - AeroSpaceNews.com - Published reports state that a Blue Angel solo team member has crashed during an airshow in Beaufort, South Carolina. The Associated Press has a photo they claim depicts smoke rising from trees after the accident.

The official U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels fly versions of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. According to the official Blue Angel's website, the unit operates 10 single seat F/A-18A and two 2-seat F/A-18B aircraft.

The website says the aircraft are distinct from fleet aircraft only in the removal of the nose cannon, the addition of the unique paint jobs and smoke-oil tank, and a spring for handling qualities added to the control stick. Each plane costs approximately $21 million.

During the active show season the team is based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and flies some 66 air shows.

A call to US Navy Public Affairs confirmed the crash of at least one aircraft but efforts to reach the unit Public Affairs staff by phone were unsuccessful. No official word is known at publication time about the fate of the pilot.

Please join the discussion of this event in our aviation military forum.

Looking to buy a Space Collectables and Memorabilia? Be sure to check out our new Space Collectables section.

Need warfare footage? Military Stock Footage at great royalty free prices! Broadcast quality video of tanks, helicopters, fighter jets, bombers and more.

Please support AeroSpaceNews.com with a paid subscription.

It is also very important for you to please fill out our readership survey if you have not already done so. Please take a moment right now. Click here to fill out the survey.

Thank you!

Be sure to check out our cool Pilot Watches and Aviator Watches.

AeroSpaceNews Editor

Share: