Renowned aviation expert and "Top Gun: Maverick" flight instructor, Charles "Chuck" Coleman, tragically died performing an aerial stunt at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo in New Mexico.
According to the US Sun, the veteran pilot was killed when his plane crashed during a high-risk maneuver in front of spectators.
Coleman, a well-regarded flight instructor for actors including Tom Cruise, was piloting a two-seat Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 monoplane. His performance was a highlight at the Las Cruces International Airport, where audiences gathered to witness skilled pilots and aerial acrobatics.
Sunday's show turned tragic at approximately 2:30 PM. Coleman was executing a series of complex maneuvers when something went awry as he attempted a particularly tight turn.
Witnesses captured video footage showing Coleman's aircraft initially handling the stringent demands of the stunt, only to suddenly lose speed and begin a rapid descent. The crowd watched in horror as Coleman struggled to regain control.
The aircraft's fight to pull up was futile; it spiraled downward and crashed adjacent to the airfield, hidden from view by another parked plane. The videographer, expecting the plane to re-emerge, recorded the sudden disappearance.
Lamentably, the plane did not reappear after its descent, marking a somber moment for all in attendance. Emergency response teams filled the area surrounding the crash site almost instantly, yet hopes of Coleman's survival wilted quickly.
Charles Coleman was an experienced pilot, boasting over 10,000 flying hours and hundreds of air shows under his belt. He also provided over 3,000 joyride experiences across various aviation events, endearing him to many within the flying community.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez publicly expressed his sorrow, sending his deepest condolences on behalf of the city to Coleman's loved ones and fans. Furthermore, he recognized the pilot's significant role in the airshow and his contributions to the aviation community.
Miles Teller, who worked closely with Coleman during the "Top Gun: Maverick" filming, shared a heartfelt tribute. In his tribute, he praised Coleman not only for his pilot skills but for his character: "He was an aerospace engineer, air show and test pilot, and our friend and ally. Chuck had a very easy-going way about him, and we always felt comfortable with his expertise at our disposal. He was kind, humble, and curious about others and the world we live in. Gone too soon, but his contributions will live on forever. Thanks for the memories, Chuck."
In light of the tragedy, the Las Cruces International Airport was temporarily closed. This closure allowed the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to commence a thorough investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration together with the National Transportation Safety Board quickly began probing the specifics of the crash. They aimed to determine the failure that led to the fatal incident, inspecting every possible angle—from mechanical errors to potential oversight in stunt coordination.
The airport's partial closure was strictly to facilitate the investigation, permitting only scheduled and emergency flights. Authorities prioritized gathering all necessary data to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the accident, ensuring that they conducted a comprehensive analysis.
Throughout his career, Charles Coleman left a significant mark on those he trained and those who watched him perform. The investigation will continue diligently, in hopes of preventing such tragedies in the future and shedding light on what went wrong in this devastating crash.
