Embry-Riddle professor dies in Fountain Hills helicopter crash
Rucie Moore was a pilot and and an Army vet

Rucie Moore (ERAU/Courtesy)

Rucie Moore (ERAU/Courtesy)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) pilot and professor Rucie Moore died of injuries sustained Tuesday, April 16, in a private helicopter crash near Fountain Hills, according to the university.

Moore, professor and chair of the Helicopter Program, has been a full-time faculty member at ERAU’s Prescott campus for about a year. Prior to that, he spent five years as an adjunct professor for both the Embry-Riddle Prescott and Worldwide campuses.

In addition, Moore has been a member of the College of Aviation’s Industry Advisory Board. Moore was a decorated helicopter test pilot for the U.S. Army.

“Our dear colleague, Rucie Moore, was an outstanding pilot, an Army veteran and distinguished faculty member with deep experience in the flight test arena,” said Dr. Frank Ayers, Chancellor of Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus. “His many contributions to the education of our students, including his extensive real world experience, was immeasurable.

“The entire Embry-Riddle family, our faculty, students and staff, feel his loss and extend our thoughts and prayers to his family.”

The Prescott City Council and mayor issued a news release stating they were “deeply saddened” to learn of Moore’s death.

“The City of Prescott offers deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Moore, and to Dr. Frank Ayers, along with the entire faculty and student body of Embry-Riddle Prescott,” Mayor Pro-Tem Billie Orr said on behalf of the council. “We will hold them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Jason Kadah, ERAU director of Communications and Marketing, said all aircraft crashes are investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. A report on the fatal crash will come at a later date.

Follow Sue Tone on Twitter @ToneNotes. Reach her at stone@prescottaz.com or 928-445-3333, ext. 2043.


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