PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — A pioneering South Florida pilot known for inspiring future generations of women in aviation died after her small plane crashed behind a gas station in central Indiana, just minutes after sharing a message of hope online.
Officials say the pilot, Anh-Thu Nguyen, was killed Wednesday when her single-engine plane went down shortly after takeoff near the intersection of East Main Street and Sheek Road in Greenwood, a suburb south of Indianapolis.
Authorities confirmed that Nguyen, 44, was the only person on board. No injuries were reported on the ground.
Nguyen, who grew up in Vietnam and later graduated from Purdue University, founded the Dragon Flight Training Academy at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines in 2020.
She was also recognized as the tenth woman to fly solo around the world.
In a video posted to Instagram just 15 minutes before the crash, Nguyen described her latest flight as part of a greater purpose.
“It’s more than just a flight ... it’s a mission to inspire the next generation of Asian female pilots, engineers and STEM professionals,” she said.
Emergency dispatchers received several 911 calls moments after the crash.
“Hey, there’s a plane crash at Main Street and 65 in Greenwood just now .... there’s a plane crash that just happened,” the caller stated.
Witness Frank Williams described pulling up to the scene to reporters.
“I pulled right up to the sight, jumped out of the truck. I could smell fuel and it was smoking. As I got close to the place, I could tell there was no survivor,” he said.
Williams said he feared more lives might be in danger.
“I cry out to God, ‘Oh my God.’ You know there’s lives at stake and you don’t know how many -- if it’s just going to be people on the plane or what it’s going to hit,” he added.
Nguyen moved to the United States at age 12 and went on to launch a nonprofit in 2018 aimed at supporting Asian women in aerospace.
The organization, Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation, released a statement following her death:
“Anh-Thu was an inspiring pilot, instructor, and advocate for girls and women in aerospace, engineering, and aviation. She lived with boldness, curiosity, and drive.”
Authorities said the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
While her mission may now be grounded, Nguyen’s message continues to soar.
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