The pilot who died after a plane crash at the 2nd annual Las Cruces Air and Space Expo was identified by the Las Cruces mayor.

Mayor Erick Enriquez said in the city council meeting thatCharles Thomas "Chuck" Coleman passed away Sunday afternoon in the crash.

Coleman was originally from 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 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.

Coleman was the only person who died at the event.

The single aircraft crash happened at the Las Cruces International Airport Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

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The show was suspended immediately following the crash.

A spectator and an airline owner said he was shocked as he witnessed the deadly incident.

“Seeing that, it's traumatized me permanently because it's, it's very hard to see someone have that happen to them,” stated Adrian Moreno.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed they are investigating the crash.

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

The New Mexico State Police Department is the lead agency on this investigation, according to a spokesperson for the Las Cruces Police Department.

The Las Cruces International Airport will remain closed until further notice.

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