Chinle, AZ – Medical Plane Crashes Near Airport, Killing Four

Chinle, AZ (August 6, 2025) – Four people were killed on August 5 when a small medical transport plane crashed while attempting to land at Chinle Municipal Airport, located on Navajo Nation land in northern Arizona. The aircraft, a Beechcraft 300, was en route to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital when it went down at approximately 12:40 p.m.

Fire engulfed the plane after the crash. Emergency crews, including Navajo Police, tribal emergency medical services, and fire and rescue teams, responded to the scene and secured the area. The victims were non-local medical professionals with CSI Aviation, a charter company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. At least one person was hurt in the crash and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Access to the airport has been temporarily closed due to the ongoing investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Plane Accidents in Arizona

Arizona experiences several aviation-related incidents each year, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare often requires medical air transport. According to national transportation data, crashes involving small aircraft account for the majority of aviation-related fatalities across the U.S. In remote Arizona regions, such incidents can be particularly difficult to manage due to distance from emergency services.

Understanding factors involved in such aviation tragedies can help families move forward during difficult times:

• Aircraft Type – Beechcraft 300: This plane is frequently used for charter and medical transport services due to its range and reliability. However, like many small aircraft, it is more susceptible to challenges during landing—especially on rural or underdeveloped airstrips.
• Remote Airport Challenges: Smaller airports, particularly those in tribal lands, often lack comprehensive navigational tools and have shorter runways. This can create difficulties for unfamiliar pilots or aircraft operating under pressure.
• Medical Crew Hazards: While these flights serve vital roles in healthcare, crews face higher risk than commercial passengers. Operating on tighter schedules and in unpredictable conditions makes each mission complex.
• Ongoing Investigations: Crash scenes on tribal land involve coordination between federal, tribal, and sometimes private entities. This can impact how quickly information is gathered and released.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by an aviation accident like this, it is essential to reach out to a trusted attorney experienced in these types of cases. A wrongful death attorney can help determine what caused the crash and whether it involved mechanical failure, pilot error, or other preventable factors. Swift legal action ensures critical evidence—such as flight records, maintenance logs, and onboard recordings—is preserved and reviewed before it’s lost or destroyed. Legal professionals can also manage communication with multiple agencies and the aviation company on your behalf.

Please call our team at (866) 932‑4817 for a free consultation with National Injury Help. We assist families facing tragic losses due to aviation accidents and other fatal incidents. Our team works across jurisdictions, including tribal lands and federal agencies, to gather evidence and fight for justice. We understand the urgency after a fatal crash and are committed to reviewing every detail thoroughly. Our attorneys provide support through every stage of the legal process. With deep experience in complex transportation cases, we’re here to help you understand your rights and options. Speak with us today to start your free case review.