Charles Thomas “Chuck” Coleman, the flight instructor who played a pivotal role in training actors for the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick, has tragically died in a small plane crash during an air show in New Mexico. Coleman was the sole occupant of the two-seat Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 monoplane when the aircraft went down around 2:30 PM local time on Sunday.
The accident occurred during a performance of aerobatics at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, held at Las Cruces International Airport. City officials confirmed that the air show was immediately canceled following the crash, which took place approximately half a mile west of the airport.
Coleman’s extensive background in aviation highlighted his expertise and dedication to the field. His website detailed that he was based in California and had accumulated over 10,000 hours of flight time, serving as an engineer, aerobatic pilot, and test pilot.
He performed at hundreds of air shows throughout his career and provided over 3,000 rides in aerobatic aircraft, showcasing his passion for flying and teaching others.
His skills not only contributed to his personal achievements but also to the education of numerous pilots and aspiring aviators, leaving a lasting impact on the aviation community.
As the flight instructor for the cast of Top Gun: Maverick, which stars Tom Cruise, Coleman flew more than 100 flights to prepare the actors for their roles in the film, specifically for flying in U.S. Navy F-18 Hornets.
His involvement in the production was critical to the authenticity of the aerial scenes, allowing the actors to gain firsthand experience in the cockpit. The dedication and expertise he brought to the project were instrumental in creating a realistic portrayal of naval aviation, contributing significantly to the film’s success.
In the wake of Coleman’s untimely passing, actor Miles Teller, who starred in Top Gun: Maverick, shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter). Teller expressed his gratitude for Coleman’s role in their preparation for the film, acknowledging him as an aerospace engineer, air show pilot, and a friend to the cast.
He described Coleman as someone who made them feel comfortable with his expertise and characterized him as kind, humble, and curious about the world. Teller’s tribute highlighted the personal connection Coleman had with the cast, emphasizing the impact he had on their experience during filming.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez also extended condolences to Coleman’s loved ones and fans. His heartfelt statement reflects the community’s sense of loss and the impact Coleman had not just on the film industry but also on the local aviation community.
Coleman’s contributions went beyond mere instruction; he inspired those around him and was regarded as a talented pilot who touched many lives through his passion for flying. His legacy will likely resonate within both the entertainment and aviation sectors.
In light of the crash, New Mexico State Police, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The initial investigation led to a temporary closure of the airport, restricting operations to scheduled and emergency response flights only. Such investigations are crucial in understanding the cause of aviation accidents and ensuring the safety of future air shows and flight operations.
Chuck Coleman’s legacy as an accomplished pilot and instructor will undoubtedly live on, especially through the memories shared by those he trained and worked with. His contributions to Top Gun: Maverick have left an indelible mark on the film, adding authenticity to its portrayal of naval aviation.
The combination of his technical skills and personal qualities made him a beloved figure in the aviation community and among the actors he trained, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have across multiple fields.
