TideFlyer,

Sorry to hear of your loss. In my 25+ years of flying, I've become philosophical about it. "If you fly, you WILL crash." I've lost planes to pilot error, mechanical failure, and one to a mid-air. It hurts for a while, but I get back into the shop and build another one.

Your advice is sound, and I'll second it and add some more.
NEVER fly the plane directly over you. You lose all sense of depth perception and orientation, especially when you have to spin around to follow it.
NEVER fly the plane between you and the sun. It shilouettes out, becomes a flat black blob, and you can't tell what it's doing.
NEVER let the plane get ahead of you. Always stay at least 5 seconds ahead of it.
NEVER do a maneuver you haven't planned and thought out, including what you will do after the maneuver is complete.
NEVER become complacent in your ability.

Always remember:
5 Most Useless Things To A Pilot:
1. Runway behind you.
2. Airspeed you don't have.
3. Altitude above you.
4. Fuel in the supply can.
5. A half-second ago.

Dr.1