Squadron Leader Nick Cree, 32, was killed when his CT-4E Airtrainer crashed in a sand dune at Santoft, west of Bulls. He was practising an aerobatic manoeuvre for the upcoming Red Checkers aerobatic displays.
Since the end of World War 2 in 1945, 11 other people have died in air force aerobatics or air displays, said Errol Martyn in his book on the history of the air force, For Your Tomorrow. One of the air force pilots was the brother of legendary All Black captain and New Zealand businessman, Sir Wilson Whineray.
The list is:
* December 16, 1950: Flying display practice near Wigram, Christchurch, Air Force Harvard NZ1095 flew into the ground, killing Pilot Officer Josephy McGloin;
* October 15, 1953: Formation flypast over Wigram, two Devons NZ1810 and NZ1811 collided and crashed to the ground on the edge of the Wigram airfield, killing four on one aircraft and three in the other;
* August 8, 1967: Air display at Ohakea, Vampire NZ5754 crashed during a landing, killing pilot Flying Officer Murray Whineray;
* October 24, 1989: Kiwi Red aerobatic team practice. While carrying out a rolling-break manoeuvre over Ohakea Skyhawk NZ6210 collided with Skyhawk NZ6211. NZ6210 crashed, killing Flying Officer Graham Carter. The other Skyhawk successfully landed although badly damaged. * February 16, 2001: Practice formation flying for air display when Skyhawk NZ6211 failed to pull out during plugged barrel roll over Nowra airfield in Australia and crashed, killing Squadron Leader Murray Neilson;
* January 14, 2010: Red Checkers practice, Airtrainer crashed near Raumai Weapons Range, killing Sqn Ldr Nicholas Cree.
