Charles Thomas “Chuck” Coleman, a renowned 61-year-old test pilot and flight instructor for the 2022 movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” tragically died in a small plane crash during an air show in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Sunday. Coleman, the sole occupant of the single-engine Extra Flugzeugbau 300/L,
was performing at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo when the accident occurred around 2:30 p.m., prompting the closure of Las Cruces International Airport. Known for his extensive experience, with over 10,000 flight hours, Coleman had trained actors like Miles Teller in aerobatic techniques to prepare for their roles alongside Tom Cruise in the “Top Gun” sequel. Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez expressed condolences, and authorities are investigating the crash with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
