TOP GUN: MAVERICK FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CHUCK COLEMAN DIES IN PLANE CRASH
YouTube / Inside Edition
Charles Thomas “Chuck” Coleman, a distinguished pilot and flight instructor, tragically lost his life in a plane crash during the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo in New Mexico.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 2:30 PM while Coleman was performing aerobatic maneuvers in his Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 monoplane, which went down about half a mile from the airport. He was the only person aboard.
With an impressive background, Coleman had participated in countless air shows and provided over 3,000 aerobatic rides throughout his career. He was also known for his role in training the cast of the 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick,” flying more than 100 flights to prepare the actors for their roles in U.S. Navy F-18 Hornets.
In light of this tragedy, Miles Teller expressed condolences to Coleman’s family and fans.
RIP Chuck Coleman. Chuck was our aerobatics flight instructor and instrumental in our preparation for Top Gun: Maverick. 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… pic.twitter.com/93giSZdbgz
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) October 21, 2024
Authorities, including New Mexico State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration, are currently investigating the crash. The air show was subsequently canceled, marking a somber end to the event.
Coleman’s legacy as a skilled aviator and instructor will be remembered by many in the aviation community.
