Pilot Chuck Coleman Dies in Crash at Las Cruces Air and Space Expo
In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a pall over the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, the pilot involved in a fatal crash has been identified as Charles T. “Chuck” Coleman. The news was confirmed by Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez during a City Council meeting on Monday, who expressed his deepest condolences to Coleman’s family, friends, and admirers. The crash, which occurred during a performance on Sunday, October 20, not only brings sorrow to those who knew Coleman but also raises serious concerns about air show safety protocols.
The accident took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time when Coleman was piloting a single-engine Extra Flugzeugbau 300/L airplane. The aircraft went down about half a mile west of the Las Cruces International Airport while performing aerobatic maneuvers, a staple of his impressive repertoire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that they, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are actively investigating the incident to uncover its cause.
In response to the crash, the Las Cruces International Airport has temporarily suspended operations, allowing only emergency medevac flights and returning performers to use its facilities. Airport Director Andrew Hume emphasized the importance of safety, stating that operations will resume only after a thorough investigation is completed. This precautionary measure reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of air shows, particularly in light of this tragic event.
The NTSB has urged the public for assistance, requesting that anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage come forward. Individuals can contact the agency at witness@ntsb.gov. Investigators will thoroughly examine multiple facets of the incident, including the aircraft’s maintenance history, the prevailing flight conditions at the time, and any potential mechanical failures that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Las Cruces Police Department and New Mexico State Police, are cooperating with federal investigators in the ongoing inquiry. As details of the crash continue to unfold, the incident has raised significant questions regarding the safety of air shows in Las Cruces and similar events nationwide. Organizers of the Air and Space Expo are now left to grapple with how to move forward while prioritizing the safety of participants and attendees.
Chuck Coleman was well-regarded in the aviation community, celebrated for his skill and passion for aerobatic flying. His untimely death has reverberated through the air show circuit, where performers often accept inherent risks. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with aerial performances, underscoring the necessity for stringent safety measures and protocols.
As the investigation progresses, the future of the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo hangs in the balance. With the NTSB and FAA closely scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the crash, it remains to be seen what recommendations or changes will emerge from this tragedy. Safety will undoubtedly be the focus as event organizers consider how to honor Coleman’s legacy while ensuring the well-being of all involved in future performances.
In this time of grief, the community of Las Cruces stands united in mourning the loss of a talented pilot who touched the lives of many. As they await further findings from the ongoing investigation, there is hope that this incident will lead to improvements in safety measures that will help prevent future tragedies in the world of aviation.
