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Vicki Cruse, a world-class aerobatic champion and four time member of the U. S. National Aerobatic Team died Saturday 22 August 2009 in an aircraft accident during the World Aerobatic Championships in Great Britain. She was 41.
She was using a borrowed Zivco Edge 540, not her own Zivco Edge 540 when an apparent aircraft mechanical malfunction occurred during a qualifying flight at Britain's Silverstone motor racing circuit. She lost control of the aircraft and was too low to bail out as the aircraft crashed. Her own 1999 Zivco Edge 540 is especially modified to fit her petite size. Vicki also competed in the Sport Class at the Reno Air Races using her other experimental aircraft.
Vicki was the President of the International Aerobatics Club, a member of the Ventura County Ninety-nines, a branch of the International Organization of Women Pilots and won the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatics title in 2007. She competed also in Spain as a member of the American National Aerobatic Team. Her loss is deeply felt among the close-knit community at SZP and in Santa Paula, where she lived and worked. One unfortunate and prophetic place she talked about flying risks is on a YouTube video showing her aerobatic prowess.
On the net: For the YouTube video on Vicki Cruse, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaiajLjRTHs