Charles Thomas Coleman, the airline pilot who trained the film’s actors Top Gun: Maverick He died in an accident during an air show in New Mexico this Sunday, October 20, according to the British media Sky News.
According to local authorities, the 61-year-old American pilot was performing aerobatics when his plane, a two-seater Extra Flugzeugbau EA300, crashed in the middle of the show 800 meters from Las Cruces International Airport.
An investigation has been opened to determine the causes of this accident. In a press release, broadcast on Sky News, Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez paid tribute to the pilot.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to Chuck Coleman’s loved ones and fans,” he said.
More than 10,000 flight hours behind him
Charles Coleman, an engineer, aerobatic pilot and test pilot, had more than 10,000 flight hours under his belt, according to his website. He also participated in more than a hundred air shows and performed more than 3,000 flights aboard aerobatic aircraft, including more than 4,100 hours in the Extra Flugzeugbau EA300.
A true specialist, the pilot was chosen for the production of the film Top gun; Dissident in 2018 to train the film’s actors such as Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Glen Powell or Val Kilmer, to pilot the F-18 Hornet fighter jets used by the US army.
“He was an aerospace engineer, a test and air show pilot, and our friend and ally. Chuck was very easy to get along with and we always felt comfortable when he shared his experience with us,” wrote actor Miles Teller in X to pay tribute to the pilot.
“He was kind, humble and curious about others and the world we live in. He left us too soon, but his contributions will always be remembered. Thanks for the memories, Chuck,” he concluded.
Source: BFM TV
