While Top Gun's ending originally included an extra scene, keeping this sequence intact would have ruined Top Gun: Maverick’s entire plot. Top Gun may be a cult classic, but it is fair to say that the blockbuster action movie wasn’t overly concerned with realistic character drama. There were plenty of romantic and tragic moments in Top Gun, but director Tony Scott’s stylish hit was primarily an escapist movie – as demonstrated by the removal of a more sobering ending scene. From Maverick getting away with maneuvers that would get a real-life pilot discharged to TOPGUN holding classes in empty aircraft hangars instead of classrooms, Top Gun's priority as a wish-fulfillment fantasy was apparent through its final moments.

https://screenrant.com/top-gun-maverick-story-goose-grave-deleted-scene/