Four dead in Arizona air ambulance crash
The aircraft, operated by CSI Aviation, crashed while landing at Chinle Municipal Airport while responding to a patient
US-based air services operator CSI Aviation has announced the deaths of four crewmembers following a crash in Chinle, Arizona.
The company stated that the crewmembers – two pilots and two healthcare providers – had been en route to provide air ambulance services at the time of the accident. No patients were on board.
CSI Aviation has confirmed the names of the crewmembers onboard as being: Commercial Pilot Jeffrey Tuning; Commercial Pilot Amanda Benson; Flight Nurse Kameilia Chavez; and Flight Paramedic Nicholas Mancuso.
The Beechcraft 300 fixed-wing aircraft crashed on Tuesday 5 August while landing at Chinle Municipal Airport in the Navajo Nation, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
An investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway.
“We are devastated. These were not just colleagues – they were part of our CSI Aviation family. Their courage, care, and dedication will never be forgotten,” CSI Aviation said in a statement. “Our hearts are with their families, friends, and loved ones. Support services are being offered to those affected, and we ask for privacy as we grieve this immense loss.”
The company also confirmed that it would fully cooperate with authorities as the investigation moves forward.
Air Methods announced the opening of Native Air 23, a new emergency air medical base for its subsidiary Native Air, in Arizona earlier this year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.