EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The pilot who was killed in a crash at a Las Cruces air show over the weekend has been identified as Charles Thomas “Chuck” Coleman of California, the City of Las Cruces said in an update issued Monday afternoon, Oct. 21.
Coleman, a well-known aviator with thousands of hours of flight time, was killed in a crash during the air show portion of the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo on Sunday at the Las Cruces International Airport. The airport will remain closed until further notice, the City of Las Cruces said.
“Unfortunately, we had a tragic ending to our Air and Space Expo this weekend,” Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said. “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.”
Chuck Coleman Courtesyof CTColeman.com
Chuck Coleman Courtesyof CTColeman.com
Coleman was a well-known and respected engineer, aerobatic, and test pilot with more than 10,000 hours of flight time, the City of Las Cruces said.
He performed at hundreds of air shows and had provided more than 3,000 rides in aerobatic aircraft, the City of Las Cruces added.
Coleman was also an aerobatic flight instructor for actors in the 2022 motion picture, “Top Gun: Maverick,” where he flew more than 100 flights preparing actors to fly in Navy F-18 Hornets.
Sunday’s accident, which occurred at 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.
Chuck Coleman Courtesy of City of Las Cruces
Spectators who may have photos or videos of the accident are encouraged to share them with the National Transportation Safety Board at the NTSB website.
The Las Cruces International Airport is temporarily closed during the initial investigation. Only scheduled and emergency response flights are permitted to utilize the airport during the temporary closure.
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