During the 2017 film American Made, Tom Cruise’s portrayal of pilot Barry Seal took a tragic turn when a plane crash occurred in Colombia in September 2015. Three pilots, Andrew Purwin, Jimmy Lee Garland, and Carlos Berl, were involved in the crash, which resulted in two deaths and serious injuries to Garland. Lawsuits questioned the film’s safety precautions and alleged negligence.
Berl, unfamiliar with the Aerostar, and Garland, a pilot-mechanic, had concerns about the plane’s safety. Purwin, known for his risky aviation history, was also involved. The crash happened amid pressure to depart quickly despite poor weather conditions.
Court cases alleged forced air travel, faulty aircraft, and fake certifications, leading to a 2019 settlement. This tragedy highlighted significant safety risks in film production, echoing similar dangers faced during the filming of Top Gun in 1985.
