A fighter jet from the Blue Angels, the elite aerobatic squadron of the United States Navy, flew over Pensacola Beach, Florida, on Wednesday at such a low altitude that the powerful blast of air generated by its engines sent umbrellas, chairs, and tents flying, causing moments of tension among dozens of beachgoers.
The incident occurred during the traditional "Breakfast with the Blues," the flight that annually kicks off the Pensacola Beach Air Show Week, reported the channel WFLA.
Videos recorded by attendees show how the force of the reactor lifts a cloud of sand and sends objects flying across the beach. Some ended up hitting people in the area, although the U.S. Navy has not confirmed how many were affected or the severity of the injuries.
The recording, provided by Alexandra Belcher, quickly went viral on social media and was reproduced by numerous national and international media outlets.
"Everyone was very excited because we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Belcher told WFLA. "The flight over was incredible. As a mere spectator, I felt the adrenaline and was grateful to have the chance to experience that."
Not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Another attendee, quoted by American media, claimed that for a moment, he believed the planes were going to "sweep" them away completely.
The Navy is investigating what happened
The Pensacola Naval Air Station acknowledged that the aircraft executed the maneuver at a lower altitude than usual during landing.
"During a landing maneuver, the aircraft flew at a lower altitude than usual, causing discomfort on the beach that affected the chairs and umbrellas of users," the institution stated in a press release.
The Blue Angels also reported that they have opened an internal investigation to determine what occurred.
"The safety of our local community, spectators, and pilots is our top priority," stated the squadron, which assured that it is conducting a thorough review to ensure that all operations meet the safety standards of the Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A routine flight that ended unexpectedly
The aircraft involved was an F/A-18 Super Hornet, the same carrier-based fighter used by the U.S. Navy's frontline combat squadrons.
The purpose of "Breakfast with the Blues" is to allow pilots to familiarize themselves with the area and landmarks before the airshow, through authorized low-level flights over the coast.
This year's exhibition has a special significance, as the Blue Angels celebrate their 80th anniversary in 2026, coinciding with the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
Despite the incident, the event program continues as planned, with a practice session this Thursday, a general rehearsal on Friday, and the official exhibition scheduled for Saturday at Casino Beach.
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