(UPDATE) Eight SC National Guard Pilots Grounded After July 4 Flyover

July 11, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Entertainment, Government, Horry County, News, Outdoor 0

UPDATE: All eight Apache pilots were fully reinstated on July 9, 2024 following a review that officials described as routine and non‑punitive.

South Carolina — Eight pilots from the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Alpha Company have been temporarily suspended from flight duties following their participation in the annual “Salute from the Shore” event this past Independence Day.

The South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) confirmed the groundings on Thursday, describing the measure as “routine and non-punitive” while an internal investigation reviews the flight profile executed during the July 4 holiday.

Investigation into Safety Protocols

The flyover, which spanned the coastline from Cherry Grove to the Beaufort/Bluffton area, marked the first time Apache helicopters were included in the event. While the SCNG has not specified the grounds for the investigation, officials confirmed they are examining potential safety violations, including whether the aircraft adhered to established altitude minimums.

“I can confirm that the SCARNG is currently reviewing the flight profile,” said Maj. Lisa Allen. “As is routine, the pilots involved have been temporarily suspended from flight duties pending the outcome of this review.”

The National Guard emphasized that the pilots remain in good standing and continue to report for non-flying duties. Due to the ongoing investigation, the SCNG declined to comment on specific allegations, noting that their priority remains the safety of their personnel and the public.

Public and Political Reaction

The move has triggered immediate pushback from supporters who believe the pilots are being unfairly targeted. Before the event, Capt. Kyle Wise, a senior instructor with the unit, told media that the team intended to provide a memorable show by flying “as low as feasibly possible” while maintaining safety standards.

U.S. Representative Russell Fry (R-SC) has publicly called for an end to the review, arguing the pilots’ performance was a celebrated demonstration of military capability rather than a cause for sanction.

The investigation remains active, with no official timeline provided for when the pilots may be cleared to return to flight operations.