A tragic plane crash near the Arizona-New Mexico border claimed the lives of four people on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 5, 2025. According to officials, the medical transport aircraft went down near Chinle Airport around 12:40 pm while en route to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital.
The victims, two pilots and two healthcare providers, were all crew members of CSI Aviation, an Albuquerque-based aircraft company. The company confirmed there were no patients or other passengers aboard at the time. The remains of the victims were escorted the following morning by the Navajo Police Department and Apache County Sheriff’s Office to the Green Meadows Funeral Home.
CSI Aviation released a statement expressing deep sorrow and pledging full cooperation with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local law enforcement. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn your legal options and seek justice.
The Dangers of Small Aircraft Crashes
Small aircraft crashes, such as the recent medical transport tragedy, can be particularly devastating due to the lack of protective features found in larger commercial planes. These flights often occur in remote or rural areas where emergency response may be delayed, and the impact forces are often severe.
Possible causes of small aircraft crashes include:
- Mechanical failure – faulty engines, propellers, or other systems can cause a sudden loss of control.
- Pilot error – mistakes during navigation, landing, or takeoff are a common factor in aviation accidents.
- Weather conditions – strong winds, low visibility, or sudden storms can make flying dangerous.
- Maintenance issues – improper inspections or skipped repairs can allow dangerous defects to go unnoticed.
- Bird strikes or other mid-air hazards – collisions with wildlife or debris can damage critical components.
“Our hearts go out to the families and colleagues mourning the loss of these dedicated crew members,” says Brian Colón, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber New Mexico. “Small aircraft serve vital roles in medical and emergency transport, but they also operate under challenging conditions that can contribute to serious accidents. Factors like mechanical issues, weather, and human error must all be thoroughly examined to determine the cause.”
Potential Legal Recourse for Families
When a fatal aviation accident occurs, families may be entitled to pursue legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable. Liability could fall on multiple entities, including the aircraft operator, the maintenance provider, the aircraft manufacturer, or even government agencies if negligence in oversight played a role.
Families may seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Pain and suffering
“In cases like this, multiple parties may share responsibility, whether it’s the operator for inadequate safety protocols, a manufacturer for defective components, or others whose negligence played a role,” says Singleton Schreiber partner and attorney Knut Johnson. “Our goal is to help families uncover the truth and obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.”
If your family lost a loved one in this aviation accident, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights.
