4 people killed in plane crash on Navajo Nation

Navajo Nation plane crash kills 4 people

A tragic medical transport plane crash on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona killed four people. It happened on Aug. 5 around 12:40 p.m. when they were headed to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital.

NAVAJO NATION - A medical transport plane crashed on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, killing four people on Tuesday afternoon.

What we know:

The small dual-propellor plane crashed near Chinle Municipal Airport on Aug. 5 at around 12:40 p.m.

"Four people, all non-local, were on board and confirmed deceased," Navajo Police said. "The small aircraft was enroute to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital, when the crash occurred."

A thick plume of black smoke was visible after the crash.

Adrian Thompson captured video of the fiery crash while traveling along a roadway. He said he initially thought it was a house fire.

"The last thing on my mind that it would have been was a plane crash because we don't get too many planes in this area here coming in," Thompson said. "Come to find out it was an actual crash and four people lost their lives sadly, and just finding that out, I was very heartbroken, and it shocked me to the point where I was like, this kind of stuff never happens out here, as far as a plane crash or anything like that."

The plane, a Beechcraft 300, had departed from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Witness recalls deadly Navajo Nation plane crash

A thick plume of black smoke was visible after a fiery medical transport plane crash. Adrian Thompson, who was traveling on a nearby roadway, captured video of the scene he first thought was a house fire. Thompson spoke to FOX 10 about what he saw.

What we don't know:

The cause of the crash hasn't been determined.

We don't know the names of the victims.

What's next:

Next-of-kin notifications were made by the aircraft company, CSI Aviation, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Federal aviation investigators will look into what caused this crash.

What they're saying:

CSI Aviation released the following statement on the crash: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the loss of an aircraft resulting in the deaths of four CSI Aviation crew members, including two pilots and two healthcare providers. On the fifth of August 2025 at approximately 2:20pm, near Chinle, AZ, a CSI Aviation King Air that was dispatched to provide air ambulance services to patients in Eastern Arizona, was lost.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and recovery operations are ongoing. There were no patients or passengers on the aircraft. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected by this devastating event. Support services will be made available to families and our team.

An investigation is underway in coordination with relevant authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board , the Federal Aviation Administration, and local law enforcement. CSI Aviation is cooperating fully with the investigation. Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to transparency as the investigation progresses.

We ask for patience and privacy for the families during this difficult time."

Navajo PD statement on the crash: "This is a tragic loss to the families of those onboard and to the medical air and first responder community. We extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones during this time."

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's statement on the crash: "I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic plane crash near the Chinle Airport, which claimed the lives of four medical personnel who were non-local. These were people who dedicated their lives to saving others, and their loss is felt deeply across the Navajo Nation. The four were enroute to pick up a patient when the plane crashed around 12:40 p.m. this afternoon. We honor their service, their sacrifice, and the love they showed our communities through their work. On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and all who are grieving. Our prayers are with the families of those on the plane as investigations continue. May the Creator bring comfort and strength in the days ahead."

Map of the area where the crash happened