Aerobatic World Saddened By Chuck Coleman Accident
Coleman had more than 10,000 hours of experience.
The aerobatic community is mourning the death of Chuck Coleman, who died in the crash of his Extra 300 during a performance at an airshow at Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico. Coleman was a highly experienced aerobatic pilot, instructor and performer with more than 10,000 total hours logged. The California-based engineer flew more than 100 flights introducing actors to extreme attitudes and maneuvers they would experience as cast members of the film Top Gun: Maverick. Coleman is also widely remembered as a good friend and a strong ambassador for general aviation.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said in a statement, “Unfortunately, we had a tragic ending to our Air and Space Expo this weekend. 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.”
News video shows the Extra on a high-speed pass transitioning to a double-roll to the left, followed by a pull-up and tumble that resulted in the aircraft assuming a nose-high inverted attitude. There was insufficient altitude to recover.
Among many similar posts, one visitor to Coleman’s Facebook page wrote: “So thankful for all the flying and aerodynamics lessons he taught me. Chuck was an amazing aerobatics pilot, instructor and engineer and such a kind human being. On Sunday, Chuck took off for his last flight. Fly free forever and blue sky my friend.”
