AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its initial report of a plane crash that killed a pilot near Daniel Field a week ago.

The report reaches no conclusion about the cause of the crash that killed Jason McKenzie – and isn’t meant to.

The first report is just a statement of facts, while the report on possible causes of the crash won’t come for a year to two years.

This new report doesn’t tell us much more than we already knew about the incident at Hillcrest Avenue at Belmount Drive.

It says the single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 departed Runway 5 at Daniel Field at 7:12 a.m. last Thursday, proceeded on the runway heading for about half a nautical mile, where a left turn was initiated.

The airplane continued in the left turn, at about 200 to 300 feet above the ground, for about 30 seconds and crashed into the top of mature oak trees in a residential area, severing the outboard half of the left wing.

The wing section remained lodged in a tree, about 60 feet above the ground.

The airplane continued and impacted the front yard of a residence, coming to rest upright.

There, it burst into flame at about 7:13 a.m.

READ THE REPORT:

Many are calling McKenzie a hero for avoiding deaths and injuries on the ground, even though he died in the crash.

Investigators took pieces of the airplane to a hangar elsewhere in Georgia, where they’ll put it back together and try to determine what happened.

In addition to physical evidence, investigators will be looking at flights the plane made in the 72 hours before the crash that may indicate whether anything has gone wrong.

We looked at the flight records, which show the plane had made several trips in the days before the crash, including:

• To Greensboro, N.C., on April 24 and back to Daniel Field on Saturday.
• To Southern Pines, N.C., and back on April 23.
• To Sevierville, Tenn., and back on April 20.
• To Thomson and back on April 18.

We know the Beechcraft Bonanza A36 was manufactured in 1999 and owned by WBME, a limited-liability corporation based in Warrenville, according to government records.

The plane had four cabin windows on each side, starboard rear double doors and seats for six. Two of those seats were in the cockpit and four were in the cabin – configured as two rows of two seats each, with the rows facing each other, according to photos of the plane posted online. It had a small cargo area in the rear.

Its certificate was valid until 2030.

Equipped with a three-blade propeller and a 300-horsepower engine, the model was introduced in 1968 and is still being made by the Beechcraft division of Textron – a company that has a plant in Augusta.

WBME was created in October 2023 and the plane was registered to it the next month. The previous owner was in California, so this was a new plane for the owner, though it was made 25 years ago.

The plane’s first flight under WBME ownership was in February of this year.

Beyond witness statements and video, the NTSB will scrutinize:

• Recordings of any air traffic control communications.
• Aircraft maintenance records.
• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident.
• A 72-hour background of the pilot.
• Electronic devices.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The new Kroger store is nearly ready to open near Jimmie Dyess Parkway and Gordon Highway.

At 8 a.m. May 22, the doors will open for business at Kroger’s new Eisenhower Crossing Marketplace, 3942 Harper Franklin Ave.

Prior to the store’s official opening, Kroger will host a ribbon-cutting celebration at 7:30 a.m. with associates, customers, community leaders, Zero Hunger | Zero Waste partners and local Partners in Education.

The community is invited to the ribbon cutting and grand opening festivities.

The new store represents a $32 million investment and encompasses 124,000 square feet, with an adjacent fuel center, drive-thru pharmacy and a wide variety of popular features, including a Murray’s Cheese Shop, expanded deli offerings, sushi and grocery pickup.

Kroger customers will be greeted with a vibrant mural designed by Augusta artist Karen Heid. According to Heid, the mural captures a sense of place and features many of Augusta’s iconic landmarks.

The new store will be a Kroger Marketplace – which is a special kind of store.

While the emphasis is still groceries at a Kroger Marketplace, they sell just about everything you could get at a Target that sells groceries. For example, they offer fashion and accessories that you can try on in a dressing room, small appliances, linens and towels, indoor and outdoor furniture, have a jewelry store and health clinic – and have been known to even stock bicycles.

“Kroger’s new Eisenhower Crossing Marketplace reflects our commitment to the community,” said Victor Smith, president of Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We recognize Kroger’s unique role in the communities we serve. As an employer, food processor, retailer, healthcare provider and more, we have a responsibility to create positive change and deliver on our purpose to feed the human spirit.”

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

The Coolest Golf Backyards On Earth

Step into the backyard of dreams: a golfer’s haven amidst British Columbia’s scenic landscape. MLB stars, NASCAR champions, business moguls, and top instructors have all traded ordinary lawns for lush greens, tees, and bunkers.

Explore 11 awe-inspiring backyards where dreams of perfect drives and putts come true, leaving your Kentucky bluegrass in the dust.

Dave Pelz – Austin TX

Short Game Guru Dave Pelz had his Austin Texas backyard crafted to mirror the Par 3 17th at TPC Sawgrass as well as the 12th at Augusta National.

John Smoltz – Atlanta GA

Former MLB player turned Hall-of-Fame Inductee John Smoltz is no novice when it comes to golf, and his suburban Atlanta backyard proves it boastings 3 grees and 9 tees.

Kevin Harvick – Charlotte NC

NASCAR driver and golf nut Kevin Harvick gets to play Augusta National whenever he wants in the comfort of his Charlotte NC backyard with his replica of the 12th hole at Augusta National.

Mike Fascitelli – Guilford CT

Co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Fascitelli can find excitement in a round of golf on a picturesque par 3 right at home in Guilford, Conn. This remarkable hole offers five tees, with two extending over Long Island Sound.

Dave Stockton – Augusta GA

Having an artificial turf putting green at home is impressive, but what if it was crafted by putting expert Dave Stockton and his son Dave Jr.? Add to that the location being Augusta, Ga., and the green showcasing an Augusta National logo in its center. Wow!

Mark “Marky Mark” Wahlberg – Beverly Hills CA

The Actor, Mark Wahlberg, enjoys every golfer’s dream: a functional golf facility right in his backyard. With four greens available, he can practice shots extending up to 140 yards.

Matt Keller – Scottsdale AZ

Real Estate Mogul, Matt Keller, can enjoy his short game practice at his home in Scottsdale Arizona whenever he pleases with this amazing setup lighted up for late night chipping.

Owner Unknown – Pebble Beach CA

This stunning Pebble Beach home, located less than a mile from Cypress Point Club has views of the Pacific Ocean most dream of, oh yes and this amazing golfer’s paradise setup.

Adrian Beltre – Dallas TX

Former MLB player and the most recent MLB Hall-of-Fame inductee, Adrian Beltre, might have parted with his property featuring an incredible golfing backyard, but we suspect his new residence is equipped with a similarly fantastic setup for golf enthusiasts.

Tiger Woods – Jupiter FL

In Jupiter, Fla., Tiger Woods’ residence boasts an exceptionally secluded practice facility. Positioned near the water, its multiple tees and greens provide the 15-time major champion ample opportunity to hone every shot, regardless of prevailing wind conditions.

Owner Unknown – British Columbia, Canada

Nestled amidst the scenic lakes and hills of British Columbia, Canada, there is a mansion that boasts this backyard that features a breathtaking multi-tiered green and bunker setup that any golfer would dream of.