Investigation Summary
During the final maneuver of the demonstration, the six Blue Angels jets were performing a delta-to-landing transition. Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis, flying the Number 6 opposing solo position, fell slightly behind the formation and attempted to catch up by performing a high-speed, high-G turn. The maneuver subjected Davis to forces exceeding 6 Gs. Unlike standard fighter pilots, Blue Angels pilots do not wear inflatable G-suits because the inflation could interfere with the precise, small-scale control stick movements required for close-formation flying. Instead, they rely on a specialized abdominal tensing technique to maintain blood flow to the brain. The Navy's investigation concluded that the intensity of the G-force likely caused Davis to experience tunnel vision or G-LOC (G-force induced Loss of Consciousness) symptoms, leading him to lose track of his proximity to the ground. Forensic analysis of the wreckage confirmed that the engines and flight controls were functioning normally until impact.
Final Conclusions
The U.S. Navy's official report, released in January 2008, attributed the crash to pilot error resulting from G-force induced disorientation. The report stated with approximately 90 percent certainty that the pilot's attempt to recover from a high-G turn while disoriented led to the impact. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure or bird strikes. The pilot was noted to be flying the aircraft until the moment of impact, suggesting a late attempt to recover once situational awareness was regained, but he was unable to clear the trees.
Video Analysis
What Really Happened to Captain Kevin Davis — A detailed look at the final flight of Blue Angel Number 6, Captain Kevin Davis, and the physiological factors that led to the 2007 Beaufort crash.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
G-suit (Anti-G suit)
A flight suit designed to prevent G-LOC by using inflatable bladders to compress the legs and abdomen, keeping blood in the upper body. Blue Angels pilots omit this equipment to maintain tactile precision.
F/A-18 Flight Controls
The investigation performed a forensic examination of the flight controls and engines, finding they were fully operational at the time of the crash.
Interesting Facts
- 01The pilot was in his second year with the Blue Angels and his first year as a demonstration pilot.
- 02Eight civilians on the ground sustained injuries from debris and fire.
- 03The aircraft struck a grove of pine trees before impacting the ground.
- 04Blue Angels pilots do not wear G-suits to avoid accidental control stick inputs during close-formation flight.
- 05The crash occurred during the final minutes of the two-day Low Country Blues Festival air show.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Enhanced High-G Training
The Navy increased the frequency of centrifuge training for Blue Angels pilots to better prepare them for high-acceleration maneuvers.
Physical Fitness Standards
The squadron adopted higher physical fitness requirements to improve pilots' natural physiological resistance to G-forces.