Pilot’s Tragic Death in Plane Crash Mourned; Dreamed to Fly Solo Around the World Again
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A female pilot, Anh-Thu Nguyen, tragically lost her life in a small plane crash in Indiana on July 30, while attempting another solo flight around the world. The 44-year-old pilot, who became the 10th woman to fly solo around the globe in 2024, crashed her Lancair IVP shortly after departing from Indy South Greenwood Airport around 10:45 a.m. local time, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The Johnson County Coroner’s Office identified Anh-Thu Nguyen as the pilot who perished in the crash, leaving a heartbreaking void in the aviation community. Prior to embarking on her ill-fated journey, Nguyen shared her excitement with her social media followers, expressing her passion to inspire the younger generation of Asian female pilots, aerospace engineers, and STEM professionals.
Eyewitness accounts of the crash painted a grim picture of the events leading to the tragedy, with witnesses recounting how the plane spiralled downwards before crashing in Greenwood, Indiana. Despite the devastating outcome, Nguyen’s powerful message of empowerment and encouragement for Asian women in the field of aviation continues to resonate within the industry.
Anh-Thu Nguyen’s journey in aviation began with humble beginnings in Vietnam, where she nurtured her fascination for aircraft from a young age. Her move to the US at 12 marked the beginning of a remarkable career trajectory that saw her founding the nonprofit organisation Asian Women in Aerospace & Aviation (AWAA) in 2018, aimed at empowering and supporting Asian women in these male-dominated fields.
Nguyen’s impact extended beyond her passion for flying; she also played an integral role in nurturing future aviators through the Dragon Flight Training Academy in Pembroke Pines, Florida, which she established five years ago. Her commitment to sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring pilots earned her recognition as an award-winning instructor with over 5,000 hours of flight time.
The tragic loss of Anh-Thu Nguyen has left a void not only in the aviation community but also amongst those who drew inspiration from her unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she inspired, and her mission to empower and uplift Asian women in aviation continues to resonate with all who knew her.
As investigations into the crash continue, tributes pour in for the courageous pilot, underscoring her enduring impact on the aviation industry and the lives she touched along her journey. Anh-Thu Nguyen’s memory remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of female aviators, embodying the spirit of perseverance and empowerment that defined her remarkable career.