During the production of the 2017 crime drama American Made, a film celebrating daring flights, covert operations, and high-stakes aviation, tragedy struck in a way that forever changed lives—and revealed the hidden dangers behind high-octane filmmaking. What was meant to capture the reckless energy of Barry Seal’s real-life adventures became a sobering reminder: in Hollywood, pushing safety aside can have devastating consequences.
The accident happened in September 2015 in Colombia. A twin-engine Aerostar 600, hired for aerial filming, crashed while carrying three experienced pilots: Andrew Purwin, Jimmy Lee Garland, and Carlos Berl. Purwin and Berl died instantly. Garland survived, but with severe, life-altering injuries that ended his aviation career.
All three men were seasoned pilots, but questions immediately arose about the circumstances. Reports indicate that Berl had expressed concerns about the aircraft’s condition before the flight—concerns that went unaddressed. Garland, a pilot and mechanic who often served as Tom Cruise’s stunt double, regularly balanced high-pressure stunts with the realities of aviation. Purwin was known for his bold, sometimes aggressive flying style.
The day of the crash, weather conditions were deteriorating. Production pressures and tight schedules reportedly pushed the flight forward despite risks. The aircraft went down in rough terrain, leaving little chance of survival for two of the pilots.
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