SC National Guard helicopter pilots suspended pending review of July 4 flyover
Eight Apache helicopter pilots are on temporary suspensions as the South Carolina National Guard reviews its July Fourth flyover.
The Salute From the Shore on Independence Day event drew onlookers across South Carolina on Saturday as military planes and helicopters flew across the coast from North Myrtle Beach to the Beaufort/Bluffton area.
“By all accounts, the flyover was conducted safely and professionally, with no injuries or property damage reported,” Rep. Russell Fry said in a statement. “Reports suggest that following the flight, the eight crew members were suspended from flight duties pending an internal investigation.”
Now, the National Guard is reviewing the flight profile of the Apache helicopters featured in the flyover. As part of the standard review process, the eight pilots involved were temporarily suspended pending the review.
Fry – who represents South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, including coastal Horry and Georgetown counties – took to social media Thursday morning to condemn the suspensions.
“The @SCNationalGuard needs to drop this review and restore these pilots immediately,” Fry wrote. “Millions of Americans applauded the incredible display during Salute to the Shore flyover while expressing complete admiration for them & appreciation for our country and military. These pilots should be celebrated, not sanctioned.”
In his statement released late Thursday afternoon, Fry reiterated his call to drop the review, saying an extended suspension could disrupt training and readiness.
Details about the review remain sparse. In a statement provided to My Horry News, South Carolina National Guard State Public Affairs Officer Maj. Lisa Allen said she could not address specific allegations or questions about flight altitude and Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
The South Carolina National Guard and Fry did not immediately respond to The Sun News’ questions regarding the review.
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 1:24 PM with the headline "SC National Guard helicopter pilots suspended pending review of July 4 flyover."