A flight instructor who contributed to Top Gun: Maverick has tragically passed away during an air show.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Coleman, an engineer and seasoned aerobatic and test pilot with over 10,000 flight hours, died while participating in an event this past weekend.
Coleman recently trained the Top Gun: Maverick cast, including Tom Cruise, who is well-known for performing many of his own stunts.
The incident occurred during a show in New Mexico at approximately 2:30 PM on Sunday (Oct 20) at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, held at Las Cruces International Airport, as reported by officials.
Coleman was executing complex aerial maneuvers, involving various rolls, pitches, and yaws, when the crash happened, according to a report from The Sun.
Video footage captured Coleman’s series of maneuvers, which ended with an apparent inability to recover from one, leading to the aircraft’s impact with the ground.
The crash was partially obscured from the view of the person filming by another plane, but emergency vehicles were soon seen rushing to the scene.
Coleman was flying solo in a two-seat Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 monoplane.
Miles Teller, a star of the Hollywood film, paid tribute to Coleman on social media.
On Twitter, Teller remarked that Coleman was “instrumental in our preparation for Top Gun: Maverick.”
He stated: “He was an aerospace engineer, air show and test pilot, and our friend and ally.
“Chuck had a very easygoing 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.”
Social media users also shared their condolences in response to Teller’s post.
One user wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss. May his loved ones find solace in the coming days, months, and years.”
Another commented: “Sympathies to his family and friends. He was a part of some of the best flying action scenes ever witnessed.”
A third person stated: “Sincere condolences to his family, his friends, he will remain in your heart.”
The New Mexico State Police, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the crash.
The airport was temporarily closed as officials began their investigation, allowing only scheduled and emergency response flights.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez issued a statement in response to Coleman’s passing.
He expressed: “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and fans of Chuck Coleman.”