CALIFORNIA – Stunt pilot and Top Gun flight instructor Charles Thomas “Chuck” Coleman died, October 20, during the second day of the 2024 Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, according to the city of Las Cruces.

Coleman previously performed at the Apple Valley Air Show in 2022.

“Unfortunately, we had a tragic ending to our Air and Space Expo this weekend,” said Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez. “There was an aircraft accident during Sunday’s performance that resulted in the death of pilot Charles T. “Chuck” Coleman.”

According to the city, Sunday’s accident, which occurred about 2:30 p.m. at the Las Cruces International Airport, is currently being investigated by New Mexico State Police, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

The mayor goes on to say that the city would like to extend their deepest condolences to the loved ones and fans of Chuck Coleman.

Flights attracted the attention of Top Gun Maverick producers

During a 2022 interview with the HD Post, Coleman said he grew up wanting to learn how to fly.

Originally from Michigan, he went into aerospace. After earning his Engineering degree, Coleman got hired at McDonnell Aircraft where he worked on F-18 combat jets. 

He eventually moved to the High Desert where he provided flight instruction and aerobatic ride-a-long flights to the public.

The flights attracted the attention of Top Gun Maverick producers. Coleman was hired to take eight of the actors on aerobatic flights to capture realistic facial expressions for the film. He prepared them to fly in the F-18’s in his Extra 300L plane.

Coleman routinely executed tumbles, loops and rolls during air show performances.

Spectators who may have photos or video of the accident are encouraged to share them with the National Transportation Safety Board at the NTSB website.

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