During the Breakfast with the Blues event on 15/7, which kicked off the Pensacola Air Show Week in Florida, the Blue Angels demonstration team performed various maneuvers for spectators on the beach.

However, one of the Blue Angels' F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets executed an unusually low pass, surprising even long-time attendees. "I've been coming here for 10 years and have never seen a maneuver like that. I honestly thought the jet was going to hit us, but it was still impressive," recalled Ashley Korn, a spectator.

Moment a Blue Angels Super Hornet fighter jet flew past the crowd on a Florida beach on 15/7. Video: X/ABC

Citizen-recorded video showed the Super Hornet banking and gliding over the crowd, at times just meters above those below. The engine's exhaust blast sent sand, umbrellas, chairs, and tents scattering across the beach, prompting many to scramble to secure their belongings.

Samantha Mayne noted that many initially mistook the approaching aircraft for "Fat Albert," the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft supporting the Blue Angels, due to its apparent size. "The jet was extremely close. All the tents blew down, but it was worth seeing. It was amazing," she said.

Witness Lane Wilkerson shared that she would "remember this moment for life," while Lillie Korn described the performance as "thrilling" and unlike her initial expectations.

A Blue Angels representative confirmed that a fighter jet approached the crowd "at a lower altitude than standard procedure," emphasizing that the safety of the local community, spectators, and pilots remains a top priority.

The flight command is reviewing the entire incident and conducting a thorough safety audit to ensure all operations strictly comply with US Navy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards.

A Blue Angels F/A-18E fighter jet flew close to the crowd during the 15/7 performance. Photo: Facebook/Hayes Air Experts

Established in 1946, the Blue Angels currently operate six F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft for demonstrations, along with a two-seat F/A-18F used as a backup and for civilian passenger experience flights.

These aircraft are specially modified, differing significantly from combat versions. They have all radar and fire control systems removed. They also feature added oil tanks for white smoke during performances and fuel pumps that allow for longer inverted flight than standard versions. The pilot's control stick is fitted with heavier springs for more precise aircraft control.

In addition to their demonstration jets, the Blue Angels also operate a C-130 transport aircraft for equipment, spare parts, and personnel.

By Thanh Danh (ABC, NY Post, India Express)