Accident claims aerobatic star Nancy Lynn
Famed aerobatic performer and instructor Nancy Lynn died in a Virginia hospital this weekend following an airshow accident in her Extra 300L.
"Nancy was a personal and professional friend," said Bruce Landsberg, AOPA Air Safety Foundation executive director. "She was an outstanding aerobatic instructor. She understood the fear pilots new to aerobatics had and would approach the unusual attitudes and sensations in a controlled manner. I always felt comfortable flying with her."
Nancy Lynn consulted with the Air Safety Foundation on a number of projects, most recently on a maneuvering flight seminar. She appeared in several Air Safety Foundation videos and was a popular speaker at AOPA Expo.
"We shall miss her greatly, and our deepest sympathies go to her son, Pete, and the rest of her family," said Landsberg.
Lynn was performing at the Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR) airshow in Virginia Saturday when her left wing tip caught the ground. The aircraft skidded, rolled, and burst into flames. Lynn had to be cut from the fuselage. She was burned over 90 percent of her body.
Her 18-year-old son, Pete Muntean, was the airshow announcer for her routine.
Lynn operated Lynn Aviation at Bay Bridge Airport (W29) on Maryland's Eastern Shore, where she offered aerobatic instruction in her Extra 300L. She was also a motivational speaker.
A celebration of Nancy Lynn's life is being planned at Bay Bridge Airport in Stevensville, Maryland. Details will be posted on her Web site when available.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Peter Muntean College Fund, c/o Bank Annapolis, 1000 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Updated: October 19, 2006, 8:48 a.m. EDT
