City Identifies Pilot in Sunday Accident

The pilot who died Sunday, Oct. 20, during the second day of the 2024 Las Cruces Air and Space Expo has been identified as Charles Thomas “Chuck” Coleman who was based out of California.

“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.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and fans of Chuck Coleman.”

Coleman was a well-known and respected engineer, aerobatic and test pilot with more than 10,000 hours of flight time according to information posted online. He performed at hundreds of airshows and had provided more than 3,000 rides in aerobatic aircraft.

Coleman was also an aerobatic flight instructor for actors in the 2022 motion picture, “Top Gun: Maverick,” where he flew more than 100 flights in preparing actors to fly in Navy F-18 Hornets.

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.

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.

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.

More information will be provided by the City as it becomes available.