Beloved father, 45, is killed as his plane smashes into wealthy neighborhood and bursts into flames just inches away from multi-million dollar mansions – as his final act of heroism is revealed

A beloved father has been killed after his plane hit a tree and burst into flames inches away from homes in a wealthy Georgia neighborhood.

Jason McKenzie, 45, was the sole person aboard the aircraft when it crashed landed on Thursday morning.

The associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University had taken off from Daniel Field Airport bound for New Haven, Connecticut and was returning to the airfield when his plane crashed in a fiery wreck.

First responders said his piloting skills ensured no further deaths or injuries. He is survived by his wife Stephanie and their young son.

‘I think that was a miracle,’ neighbor Lisa Lewis told WRDW. ‘I think the Lord protected everyone else.’ 

McKenzie’s single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed at Hillcrest Avenue at Belmont Drive at around 7:13 a.m. 

Flights records indicated that he only reached 625 feet in altitude before crashing half a mile from the airport.

The plane skimmed a tree ripping off the left wing tip before crash landing between two homes on the leafy street, where homes routinely sell for $1 million or more.

Loved ones and colleagues paid tribute to the tragic pilot, who was described as a committed Christian and diligent worker. 

‘​Jason was a devoted husband, father, and son. He loved his community, his work, and his church,’ McKenzie’s close fried Will Dyer said.

‘But most of all, I know that Jason loved Jesus. He was a faithful and committed follower of Christ. His faith was the guiding principle in his life and I trust that his faith is what led him into eternity.’

‘His passion for the university and our athletics programs was unsurpassed. We are keeping Jason’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers,’ AU said in a statement. 

Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden said first responders were able to contain the fire as he praised McKenzie for managing to avoid hitting any other buildings.

‘We are very lucky and can only credit the pilot for that situation – for not involving another structure,’ he said.

Neighbors described the terrifying moments before the aircraft plunged to the ground. 

‘We hear planes all the time because we live close to Daniel Field, but this time it way louder than normal, and it got louder and louder and it just sounded like it was right outside the window,’ Lewis added.

‘A few seconds later, you kind of heard some sort of rustling kind of crash and then a loud banging pop sound.

‘The Lord is in control of all things. It could have been so much worse.’

Moments after the crash power was cut off to the affluent street and panicked neighbors poured outside. 

They described seeing the flames at least two stories high.

While the neighborhood is heavily populated, homes in the area are spread out which officials say helped minimize the impact.

The crash is now being probed by the National Transportation Safety Board.