Tragic Loss of South Florida Pilot Who Inspired Many
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the aviation community and beyond, Anh-Thu Nguyen, a celebrated pilot from Miami, tragically passed away following a plane crash in Greenwood, Indiana. The 44-year-old aviator was making an attempt to fly solo around the world for the second time when her aircraft crashed on Wednesday.
Nguyen, who established her own flight school in Pembroke Pines, Florida, was noteworthy as she became the tenth woman in history to complete a solo flight around the globe just last year. According to reports from local news source WTTV, she was flying her small plane near Interstate 65 when she lost control.
Details of the Crash
The tragedy unfolded just before 11 a.m., as witnesses recounted seeing Nguyen’s aircraft performing a series of erratic maneuvers before it plummeted into a grassy ditch close to the Indy South Greenwood Airport. Accounts from onlookers described a harrowing scene where the plane appeared to nose-dive just feet away from a gas station, narrowly avoiding even more catastrophic consequences.
“It was like watching a sky show, and then it just went straight into the ground,” said Amanda Landwerlen, one of the witnesses. Another bystander, Frank Williams, expressed his horror at the moment, noting that the plane began rolling before descending rapidly.
Emergency responders, including the Greenwood Fire Department, confirmed that Nguyen was the only occupant of the aircraft. An investigation into the crash has been initiated by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
A Life Dedicated to Aviation
Born in Vietnam, Nguyen’s passion for flying was ignited at a young age. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 and later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, followed by a Master’s in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University. Her extraordinary journey culminated in the foundation of the nonprofit Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation (AWAA) in 2018, aimed at empowering future generations of female pilots and engineers.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| First Solo Flight Around the World | 2024 | Global |
| Crash Incident | July 31, 2025 | Greenwood, Indiana |
Charles Mesina, a colleague from the flight school, revealed his deep admiration for Nguyen, reflecting on their conversations leading up to her groundbreaking solo trip around the globe. “She was planning that for six years, excited to travel the world,” he recalled, emphasizing the impact of her mentorship and dedication.
Legacy and Tributes
In the wake of her untimely death, the AWAA expressed profound sadness, recognizing Nguyen as a leading force in breaking barriers in aviation and inspiring countless individuals. “She lived with boldness, curiosity, and drive,” the nonprofit stated. They encouraged those wishing to honor her legacy to contribute to scholarships aimed at assisting young girls in pursuing their dreams within the aerospace field.
Friends, colleagues, and the wider aviation community are left mourning a trailblazer whose ambition reached heights many only dream of. Nguyen’s legacy will undoubtedly continue as a source of motivation for aspiring pilots and engineers everywhere. “May she fly high in the blue skies,” the AWAA concluded in their heartfelt tribute.
