This announcement is posted today at the request of Thomas Palmer and his family
It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Angela W. Palmer, MD aka “Scrubs," during a recent gathering of formation flying friends held at St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in Utah. She was a dedicated neurosurgeon known for her exceptional skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence – both in medicine and in the cockpit. Scrubs was an experienced RV pilot and enthusiastic participant in the RV and FFI formation communities, with an unwavering focus on safety and camaraderie. She brought joy, expertise, and friendship to every gathering, inspiring those around her with her passion for aviation and her kind spirit.
Scrubs was the proud owner of a Vans RV-3 which she flew across the country on many occasions, and a RV-10, which enabled her to provide timely care to patients in many Nevada and Arizona communities. As a highly qualified airshow formation pilot, she had the opportunity to participate in several exceptional formation demonstrations, including the Vans 50th anniversary 50-ship over Oshkosh 2022.
On the morning of February 28, 2026, Scrubs joined with friends for a recreational formation flight, as she had hundreds of times before. During a portion of the flight called “extended trail” – where aircraft are separated from each other and following with intervals of 500-1000 feet – her aircraft was observed to maneuver abruptly, roll inverted and then impact the ground. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, but the crash was not survivable.
Our hearts go out to Scrubs’ husband and fellow formation pilot, Thomas Palmer aka "Vader," their family, friends, colleagues, and numerous patients who benefited from her life-saving work. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will determine the likely cause. We ask our aviation friends and communities to refrain from speculation or sensationalism, and to allow the formal processes to proceed unhindered.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Angela W. Palmer, MD aka “Scrubs," during a recent gathering of formation flying friends held at St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in Utah. She was a dedicated neurosurgeon known for her exceptional skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence – both in medicine and in the cockpit. Scrubs was an experienced RV pilot and enthusiastic participant in the RV and FFI formation communities, with an unwavering focus on safety and camaraderie. She brought joy, expertise, and friendship to every gathering, inspiring those around her with her passion for aviation and her kind spirit.
Scrubs was the proud owner of a Vans RV-3 which she flew across the country on many occasions, and a RV-10, which enabled her to provide timely care to patients in many Nevada and Arizona communities. As a highly qualified airshow formation pilot, she had the opportunity to participate in several exceptional formation demonstrations, including the Vans 50th anniversary 50-ship over Oshkosh 2022.
On the morning of February 28, 2026, Scrubs joined with friends for a recreational formation flight, as she had hundreds of times before. During a portion of the flight called “extended trail” – where aircraft are separated from each other and following with intervals of 500-1000 feet – her aircraft was observed to maneuver abruptly, roll inverted and then impact the ground. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, but the crash was not survivable.
Our hearts go out to Scrubs’ husband and fellow formation pilot, Thomas Palmer aka "Vader," their family, friends, colleagues, and numerous patients who benefited from her life-saving work. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will determine the likely cause. We ask our aviation friends and communities to refrain from speculation or sensationalism, and to allow the formal processes to proceed unhindered.
