Flight instructor and aerospace engineer Chuck Coleman, who worked on Tom Cruise-led Top Gun: Maverick, has passed away in a plane crash, leaving his friends and family devastated. Following Coleman’s death, his friend and actor Miles Teller, who played the role of Bradley Bradshaw in the movie, expressed his sorrow in a tribute post.
Miles Teller pays tribute to Top Gun: Maverick ‘friend and ally’ Chuck Coleman
Flight instructor Chuck Coleman tragically died on Sunday, October 20 in an accident at Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico. He was participating in the 2024 Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, during which he got into a plane crash that led to his untimely death.
Miles Teller, who worked closely with the flight instructor on Top Gun: Maverick, shared a tribute post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “RIP Chuck Coleman. Chuck was our aerobatics flight instructor and instrumental in our preparation for Top Gun: Maverick. He was an aerospace engineer, air show and test pilot, and our friend and ally.”
The actor further lauded Coleman’s nature and called him a “kind, humble and curious” person. He added, “Gone too soon but his contributions will live on forever. Thanks for the memories, Chuck.”
The City of Las Cruces published an official statement on Facebook in which they confirmed that the accident took place around 2:30 p.m., and the police and aviation authorities are investigating the crash. They further urged anyone who might have photos or videos of the incident to share with the National Transportation Safety Board.
Eric Enriquez, Mayor of Las Cruces, expressed his thoughts about the incident and said, “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.”
Reportedly, Coleman had over 10,000 hours of flight time to his name.
