The US Navy has launched an investigation after a Blue Angels fighter jet flew so low over a packed Florida beach that it blasted sand into the air, sent chairs flying and collapsed canopies.
Dramatic footage from Pensacola Beach shows a Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet screaming just above beachgoers during Wednesday’s display, leaving stunned spectators ducking for cover as the jet’s powerful exhaust caused chaos.
The Blue Angels are America’s equivalent of the RAF’s Red Arrows.
Beachgoer Ashley Korn, who has attended the event for 10 years, said: “I literally thought we were going to be taken out by Blue Angels, but it was amazing.”
Another spectator, Samantha Mayne, said: “All of our tents got knocked down… It was worth it. It was awesome.”
The Navy has identified the blue falcon pilot as U.S. Navy Commander Amanda Lee and will be swiftly removing her from the demonstration team.pic.twitter.com/xTOTWsrIoZ
— Drew Lemacks (@TheBaconFather) July 16, 2026
The Navy has confirmed it is investigating the incident to determine whether safety procedures were followed during the dramatic low-level flypast.
A spokesman for the Blue Angels said: “The safety of our hometown community, spectators, and our pilots is our highest priority.
“Team leadership is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the manoeuvre and conducting a thorough safety review to ensure all operations adhere to strict Navy and FAA safety standards.”
The US Navy said in a statement: “During an arrival manoeuvre, an aircraft flew lower than standard profiles, resulting in a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas”, describing the incident as a “low-altitude pass”.
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