Pilot Anh-Thu Nguyen dies in tragic plane crash during world flight attempt

In July 2025, Anh-Thu Nguyen, a skilled pilot and vlogger, tragically lost her life in a plane crash in Greenwood, Indiana, while pursuing a remarkable goal of recreating her successful solo circumnavigation of the globe. This incident occurred shortly after she had completed the first leg of her journey, which took her from Wisconsin to Indiana. Nguyen was a seasoned aviator, well-known for her efforts to inspire women in aviation and had previously completed a solo flight around the world in 2024, becoming only the 10th woman to achieve such a feat. On the day of the crash, Nguyen was actively documenting her flight journey, having shared her excitement with her followers in a video just before takeoff. Her message was one of encouragement to young women pursuing their dreams, reflecting her background as a person who overcame significant obstacles in her life. She had moved to the U.S. from Vietnam at the age of 12 and had dedicated her life to aviation, including serving as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. Witnesses of the crash reported hearing unusual sounds coming from the aircraft shortly after it took off, followed by the aircraft engulfing in flames. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board quickly dispatched teams to investigate the incident, assessing the circumstances that led to the tragic crash. As tributes poured in, her community acknowledged her as a vibrant figure in aviation, dedicated to mentoring and uplifting others, especially women of Asian descent in the industry. Nguyen's nonprofit work as the founding president of the Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation further showcased her commitment to supporting other women in achieving their aviation ambitions. Her death has left a significant impact not only on her followers and aviation peers but also on the broader community that she inspire. Expressing their condolences, those who knew her commended her passion for flying and her unwavering spirit in encouraging others to believe in their potential and keep pushing forward. Nguyen's unfortunate accident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in aviation as well as the influence of passionate individuals who strive to make a difference.