The aviation community suffered a great loss as Charles T. “Chuck” Coleman, known for his extensive expertise in flight, was fatally injured during an airshow in Las Cruces, on Sunday. Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez confirmed the tragic incident, stating, “Unfortunately, we had a tragic ending to our Air and Space Expo this weekend,” as reported by KVIA. An engineer, aerobatic and test pilot, and airshow performer, Coleman’s death struck a somber chord within the community that had witnessed his prowess.
Remembered for his work preparing actors for the 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick,” Coleman, the aircraft at the helm, performed more than 100 flights to train actors for roles requiring flight in Navy F-18 Hornets. His involvement in the film testified to his caliber, with the FAA and the NTSB now investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash that ended his life prematurely. The impact of his loss resounded with personal statements and anecdotes, as friends recalled his personality and generous spirit of mentorship. Christopher Van Pelt, having met Coleman in 2010 said, as per KFOX-TV, “He was one of the most skilled pilots out there, and I think what this loss represents is, is really the loss of a mentor, the loss of a friend.”…