Blue Angels pilot dies in crash at S.C. air show

BEAUFORT, S.C. - A Navy F-18 Blue Angel plane crashed during an air show Saturday, plunging into a small neighborhood of homes and trailers and killing the pilot.

Witnesses said the planes were flying in formation during the show at the Marine Corps Air Station and one dropped below the trees and apparently crashed, sending up clouds of smoke.

Raymond Voegeli, a plumber, was backing out of a driveway when the plane ripped through a grove of nearby pine trees, dousing his truck in flames and debris.

More...

Wow, that sucks.

Would have never expected that

The Blue Angels are terrific. They have truely suffered a great loss.
Our prayers go out to all involved with the healing to come.

We have Blue Angels here at NAS Pensacola. We heard this on our way home. It is terrible.

WOW..that does suck,hate to hear about that

I can't believe it. I feel sorry for his family

One of the properties I do work for is just a few miles south of the Carswell Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, Tx. Whenever the Angels are in town for an airshow they practice directly over the apartment complex.... sometimes I get NOTHING done just sitting and watching the free show.

A truly gifted and talented group of individuals. I met one of the pilots in the Thunderbirds (Air Force) precision flying team once, never had the privelege of meeting the any of the Angels.

A sad day for the Navy... and for America.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of this brave individual.

P.S. Most people don't realize these guys aren't just a bunch of show-offs.... this is a legitimate and active Naval squadron (just as the USAF Thunderbirds are) they can be called to active duty at any time... and MUST be available within a certain time-frame. This means the pilots, aircraft and ground crews must not only be highly trained in precision flying... but also in making the aircraft ready for combat duty QUICKLY if the need might arise.

This is VERY sad.

They are incredible. When I lived in Pensacola they flew behind our house on the beach all the time. Hate it for the family of the victim.