NAAA Mourns the Loss of Past President Rick Boardman

NAAA is deeply saddened to share the passing of past NAAA President Rick Boardman, who lost his life in an agricultural aircraft accident on June 11, 2026, in Henderson, Nebraska, at the age of 61.

Rick dedicated his life to agricultural aviation and to serving the industry he loved. A second-generation ag pilot, his passion for aviation began at an early age while working alongside his father at the Superior Municipal Airport in Nebraska. He earned his commercial pilot’s license by age 20 and went on to build a respected career as an aerial applicator, business owner, industry leader, mentor, and advocate for safety.

Throughout his career, Rick generously gave his time and expertise to support agricultural aviation at both the national and state levels. He served as NAAA President in 2015 and was a member of the NAAREF Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020, including serving as NAAREF Vice President in 2017 and 2018. He was recognized with the John Robert Horne Memorial Award in 1987, honoring his commitment to professionalism and excellence in agricultural aviation.

He served in many capacities with the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association (NATA). In February 2026, Rick was recognized by the NATA as Airman of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the industry. While these honors reflected his dedication to the industry, those who knew Rick best will remember his generosity, integrity, sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, employees, and fellow aviators.

Following the loss of his brother, Bob, in an aircraft accident in 2007, Rick became an even stronger advocate for safety and pilot education. He served as a PAASS presenter, sharing lessons learned and encouraging pilots to continually improve their safety practices. His willingness to speak openly about challenges in the industry helped countless pilots and operators become safer and more professional.

Perhaps Rick’s greatest contribution was his commitment to mentoring others. Whether helping aspiring pilots, training employees, or encouraging future industry leaders, he took great pride in sharing his knowledge and helping others succeed. Many individuals throughout the agricultural aviation community credit Rick with providing guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that shaped their careers.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary, their children and one grandchild, and a large extended family. His impact on agricultural aviation will be felt for generations through the many people he mentored, the lives he touched, and the example he set as a leader and steward of the industry.

NAAA extends its deepest condolences to Mary, the Boardman family, the R&M Flying Service team, and all who knew and loved Rick.

A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the R&M Flying Service hangar in Henderson, Nebraska. Those planning to fly in should use Aurora Coop’s asphalt runway (38NE), located east of R&M Flying, and monitor frequency 122.8 for airport communications. Parking attendants will be available on-site; R&M Flying’s concrete runway (NE83) will be closed to air traffic. Those planning to fly an aircraft to attend the Celebration of Life for Rick Boardman are asked to contact Collin Caneva at (402) 525-6139 in advance for planning purposes.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family will be directing any memorials to Henderson Health Care as well as a Rick Boardman Memorial Fund being established by the family to support families of fallen pilots. Read Rick’s full obituary and service information on the funeral home’s website.