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.
In the aftermath, families and Garland filed lawsuits against the production companies, alleging negligence, coercion, and systemic safety failures. Court filings claimed unresolved mechanical issues, missing or misrepresented certifications, and pressure to fly under unsafe conditions. Depositions and internal communications suggested a culture where spectacle outweighed caution.
The legal battle stretched for years. In 2019, the lawsuits were settled for an undisclosed sum. While the settlement offered legal closure, emotional wounds remained. Garland’s life—and career—had been permanently altered, and Purwin and Berl’s families were left to grapple with the loss.
The crash forced Hollywood to confront uncomfortable truths. While movies celebrate bravery, the real people behind the scenes do not have scripted outcomes. Unlike actors, pilots face genuine life-and-death consequences when things go wrong. The American Made tragedy highlighted gaps in safety oversight, particularly for international productions where regulations vary.
Hollywood has faced aerial risks before. In the mid-1980s, a fatal jet crash during Top Gun filming already showed the dangers of aviation on set. Yet, the 2015 accident proved that lessons can be forgotten when production pressures rise.
Since then, industry protocols have tightened. CGI now often replaces risky flights, independent safety officers are increasingly used, and pilots have clearer authority to refuse unsafe missions without fear of repercussions. These changes, however, came too late for those affected by the American Made crash.
Today, the film is praised for its thrilling energy and daring tone. But for the families of Purwin and Berl—and for Garland—it serves as a painful reminder: authenticity and spectacle are never worth a human life. Behind every high-speed aerial shot is a real person trusting that their safety comes first.
The legacy of this tragedy isn’t in box office numbers or reviews—it’s a stark warning: true professionalism isn’t measured by how much risk you take, but by how carefully that risk is managed. In Hollywood, as in life, safety should always come first.