Preliminary investigation released in Las Cruces Air Show crash
Update (November 13, 2024): The preliminary aviation investigation found that the crash happened after the plane completed two forward tumble maneuvers and entered a third when, about halfway through the third tumble, the plane became level, pitched downward, and entered a nose dive. The airplane then rolled right before hit hit the ground. The right wing appeared to hit the ground first, was separated from the plane, and hit the ground.
"All the major structural components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site," the report states. "The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination."
The crash is still under investigation.
Update: The City of Las Cruces also confirmed the pilot's identity.
"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."
Coleman worked as an engineer, aerobatic and test pilot, and airshow performer.
"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."
The crash is under investigation by the FAA and the NTSB.
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The pilot who died in a plane crash during Sunday's Las Cruces Air and Space Expo has been identified as Charles T. "Chuck" Coleman.
"We had a tragic ending at 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," Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said at the start of Monday's Las Cruces City Council meeting.
"This accident is currently being investigated, and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and fans of Chuck."
"The only flights allowed will be emergency response medevacs, and any performers and racers that are returning home," Hume added.
"We understand the impact that this closure has on our airport users and businesses. As soon as it is safe to do so, the airport will reopen."
The Federal Aviation Administration released a statement to ABC-7 that reads in part:
"A single-engine Extra Flugzeugbau 300/L crashed west of Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico, around 2:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, Oct. 20. Only the pilot was on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates."
The NTSB also shared a statement with ABC-7:
"NTSB is investigating the crash of an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH EA 300/L airplane at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time on Oct. 20 near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The preliminary information we have is that the plane impacted terrain one-half mile west of the Las Cruces International Airport while performing aerobatics at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo."
"Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov," the NTSB statement added.
New Mexico State Police, the FAA and the NTSB are continuing to investigate the crash, according to Hume.
Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Dan Trujillo confirmed the plane crashed at 2:30 p.m. Sunday near the Las Cruces International Airport.
