On the morning of July 30, a tragic accident claimed the life of Anh-Thu Nguyen, a pioneering aviator and founder of the Miami-based nonprofit Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation (AWAA). Her Lancair IV-P aircraft spiraled silently from the sky, coming to rest near a Circle K gas station in Greenwood, Indiana. Eyewitness Frank Williams recounted to the Indianapolis Star that there was no explosion or fire, but the smell of fuel was unmistakable. Sadly, it was clear there were no survivors.
Nguyen, 44, was on an inspiring mission to become the first Vietnamese woman to fly solo around the world. Just moments before her departure from Indy South Greenwood Airport, she shared her excitement in a social media post, dressed in her pilot’s uniform. Her journey, which began a few days earlier at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, was not just about setting records. It was a heartfelt mission to inspire future generations of Asian female pilots and STEM professionals. Her sudden passing left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the community she passionately served.
Born in Vietnam, Nguyen’s journey to the skies was nothing short of remarkable. From a village without electricity, she moved to the U.S. at 12, later earning degrees in math and aeronautics from Purdue University. A highly respected flight instructor and airline transport pilot, Nguyen was twice honored by AOPA for her contributions to aviation. Her legacy lives on through AWAA, the organization she founded in 2018 to empower Asian women in aerospace. As we remember her incredible achievements and dedication, we are reminded of the impact one person can have in inspiring others to reach for the skies.
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Originally reported by AOPA General Aviation News Read More
