F-18 Jet Crash Hero Ripped Off By Navy

An F-18 jet crash hero who saved a pilot's life is getting ripped off by the same government who cost him his home. The Virginia Beach man's apartment got destroyed on Good Friday when a Navy jet crashed into it.

The jet from Oceana crashed into the nearby apartment complex shortly after take off. While most the plane landed in the courtyard, pieces of debris and fire caused damage to several buildings. Luckily, there was no loss of life and even the injuries were minor, including those sustained by the crew of the jet. However, hundreds of people got displaced after their homes caught fire or became damaged by water as firemen got the blaze under control.

Colby Smith was just one of those people. However, he was also the man who saved the life of the jet's pilot. The Navy man got caught up in his parachute and was left hanging after he ejected from the plane. Smith cut him down and got him to the hospital so his injuries could be checked out.

According to Smith, the Navy made arrangements for him and his family to stay in a nearby hotel until decisions could be made about where to house all the displaced people. He was to get kicked out of the hotel the very next day because the Navy refused to pay the bill after all. That cost him a whopping $400 out-of-pocket.

Colby understood that the government was going to reimburse all the bills accumulated because of the accident. However, now it seems they've decided to put a cap on what they will pay and when they will pay it. It could take up to two years to receive reimbursement and Smith will get just $89 per day (per person) for lodging, $30 for food and a flat amount of $200 for clothing.

Sadly, those amounts will not cover most Virginia Beach hotels, especially given that they're moving into the tourist season. That means the Smith family will have to cover the rest of the cost. It's making them wonder if they can hope to recover enough cash to replace what was lost in their apartment. It's not looking good, which is sad for a true F-18 jet crash hero.