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WAC 2009 Organisers

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We are deeply saddened by the death of Vicki Cruse during her qualifying round at the World Aerobatic Championships in an accident on August 22, 2009. Miss Cruse was president of the International Aerobatic Club and a much loved and admired member of the aviation community. She will be greatly missed.

Vicki Cruse, 41, from Santa Paula, California, died instantly when her single-seat Zivko Edge 540 crashed during her flight of the ‘Q’ programme during the World Aerobatic Championship being staged at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

A former member of the U.S. national aerobatics team, Miss Cruse was the first woman to qualify to race in her class at the Reno National Championship Air Races. The US Team Manager Norm DeWitt said in a statement that the USA lost one of its most outstanding pilots, and the IAC lost the finest president we have ever had.

Tom Poberezny, chairman and president of the Experimental Aircraft Association, said: "Vicki was an outstanding competitor and was passionate about flying. Her flying skills and enthusiasm were highly valued."

There have been many tributes pouring in to honour and remember this inspirational pilot. The missing man formation on the final day of the Championships at WAC just being one. You can watch the missing man tribute on the video above.

A memorial event is planned to celebrate the life of Vicki Cruse is planned for September 12 at her hangar on Santa Paula Airport in California.

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Copyright to images: usnationalaerobatics.org / unlimitedaerobaticsusa.com / Camarillo Air Show