ABC News reported last night that Blue Angels squadron officials said they’re conducting a review after social media footage showed a jet flying low over a crowd on Pensacola Beach on Wednesday morning.
- “During an arrival maneuver, an aircraft flew lower than standard profiles, resulting in a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas,” the statement said, calling it a “low-altitude pass.”
In the statement, the Blue Angels also said: “The safety of our hometown community, spectators, and our pilots is our highest priority. Team leadership is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and conducting a thorough safety review to ensure all operations adhere to strict Navy and FAA safety standards.”
- “I’ve been coming for 10 years and I’ve never seen a pass like that in my life,” Ashley Korn told WEAR. “I literally thought we were going to be taken out by Blue Angels, but it was amazing.”
Some on Reddit see the incident as impressive and as an expected part of the practice show:
“Breaking news: F/A-18s are loud, fly really fast and can blow over umbrellas if they fly close. More on WEAR at 10.”
“Are you talking about this? Looks like a standard fly by to me,”
“They fly low every year, it’s just usually more on the water/pier side. Buncha cry babies coming to an air show and upset when they actually do something cool.”
“A few Karen’s got upset and was complaining it was to low and ABC news ran with it. Otherwise this is the show you get every year on Pensacola Beach. Blues love to give the most exciting show they can and sometimes they stretch it but no one was in danger..”
Here are two views of the low flyover:
The Santa Rosa Island Authority released the updated Friday and Saturday performance schedule for the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show, featuring an expanded lineup of military aircraft, historic warbirds, and elite aerobatic performers July 17–18 over Pensacola Beach. Read more.