Blue Angels jet tosses beach gear during low Florida flyover
A low Blue Angels pass at Pensacola Beach sent umbrellas, chairs, hats and tents flying, and the Navy says it has opened a safety review.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
A Blue Angels jet came in lower than usual over Pensacola Beach on Wednesday morning, and the beach briefly turned into a yard sale with a jet engine.
Videos recorded by people on the sand showed hats, chairs, umbrellas and tents lifting or skittering as one aircraft passed low over the Florida beach and banked sharply. According to UPI, the maneuver created a powerful burst of wind that scattered belongings across the area.
The U.S. Navy said in a statement that the aircraft “flew lower than standard profiles,” causing a disturbance that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas. The Navy said an investigation has been opened into what happened.
No injuries were reported, according to UPI. Beachgoers described a mix of alarm and thrill after the pass, which came during a Blue Angels appearance tied to the “Breakfast with the Blues” air show.
Low pass rattles the sand
The Blue Angels were performing Wednesday morning as part of the air show event at Pensacola Beach, which is scheduled to continue through Saturday. The squadron is closely associated with the area, and crowds had gathered along the beach to watch the demonstration.
Footage linked by CBS News and recorded by beachgoers showed the jet cutting across the beach at low altitude before banking to the side. Moments later, loose items on the sand were blown about, sending spectators scrambling for their gear.
Ashley Korn, who spoke to WEAR-TV, said the pass stood out even after years of watching the team. “I've been coming for 10 years and I've never seen a pass like that in my life,” Korn told the station. “I literally thought we were going to be taken out by Blue Angels, but it was amazing.”
Navy says safety review is underway
The Navy said team leaders are examining the maneuver and reviewing the circumstances around it. In its statement, the service said spectator, community and pilot safety is its top concern.
“The safety of our hometown community, spectators, and our pilots is our highest priority,” the Navy said, according to UPI. The Navy added that leadership is carrying out a safety review to make sure operations follow Navy and Federal Aviation Administration safety standards.
The review comes after the flyover clips spread beyond the beach, showing a dramatic moment from an event meant to give spectators a close look at the Navy flight demonstration team.
As of the Navy’s statement, the reported damage was limited to beach items including chairs and umbrellas, and the air show schedule was still described as running through Saturday.
This story draws on original reporting from UPI.