Chuck Coleman, the Top Gun: Maverick aerobatics flight instructor, died in a plane crash at Las Cruces International Airport on Sunday afternoon, at around 2:30 PM MDT. Miles Teller, the star of the 2022 film, took to social media to pay tribute to the departed. He penned,
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"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 his expertise at our disposal."
He continued, reflecting on Coleman's kind nature:
"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."
Las Cruces International Airport has been temporarily closed in light of the flight instructor's passing
City officials also took to Facebook to confirm Chuck Coleman's passing. According to the statement, Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said,
"Unfortunately, we had a tragic ending to our Air and Space Expo this weekend. There was an aircraft accident during Sunday’s performance that resulted in the death of pilot, Charles T. “Chuck” Coleman. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and fans of Chuck Coleman."
Per the statement, the flight instructor was a seasoned and "respected" engineer, aerobatic, and test pilot. He had over 10,000 hours of flying time under his belt, performed at "hundreds of airshows, and had provided more than 3,000 rides in aerobatic aircraft."
During his time on Top Gun: Maverick set, Coleman operated over 100 flights while helping actors prepare to fly in Navy F-18 Hornets.
According to the ICAS Foundation, the veteran was performing at the time of the incident. According to the city officials, the New Mexico State Police, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board are all looking into the accident. It was also revealed that his family was informed of his passing much later "to ensure proper notification."
Furthermore, city officials are asking anyone with photos and videos of the accident to come forward and turn them in to the National Transportation Safety Board at the NTSB website at https://www.ntsb.gov/Pages/report.aspx.
In light of the incident, the Las Cruces International Airport has been temporarily shut down to facilitate a proper investigation. However, scheduled and emergency response flights are permitted to operate as usual during this time.
According to the ICAS Foundation's Facebook statement, Chuck Coleman was a "beloved figure in the air show community," known for "his precision flying and his commitment to inspiring future aviators." Further details, like the flight instructor's memorial services, remain unknown at the time of writing.
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