Pilot in Plane Crash in Augusta Identified

The pilot in a plane crash in Augusta this morning worked for Augusta University, according to a statement from the school this afternoon.

Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen said the pilot's identity was not being released yet, but officials at Augusta University issued a statement this afternoon.

The pilot in the plane crash in the 2800 block of Hillcrest Avenue at Belmont Drive was identified as Jason McKenzie, Associate Director of Philanthropy at AU.

McKenzie took off from Daniel Field just after 7 am today in a Beechcraft Bonanza A36 enroute to New Haven, Connecticut.

According to authorities, the plane clipped a tree, then came down near two homes on Hillcrest Avenue and burst into flames. McKenzie died at the scene. According to flight records, he was the only one on the plane.

Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden told members of the media that fire crews extinguished the blaze quickly, preventing flames from spreading to nearby homes.

"Jason McKenzie's passion for the university and our athletics programs was unsurpassed. We are keeping Jason's family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers."

"A single-engine Beechcraft 36 crashed in a residential neighborhood in Augusta, Georgia around 7:10 am local time on Thursday, May 2. Only the pilot was on board. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates."

The FAA said the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue at Belmont Drive will be closed for the next 48 hours.