Four killed in medical transport plane crash in Arizona
Four people were killed when the medical transport plane they were in crashed at an airport in the Navajo Nation in Arizona, police said.
The dual-propeller Beechcraft 300 crashed Tuesday as it was landing at Chinle Municipal Airport in the eastern part of the state, police and the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said the four dead were medical personnel. They were there to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital, police said.
“These were people who dedicated their lives to saving others, and their loss is felt deeply across the Navajo Nation,” Nygren said in a statement.
“We honor their service, their sacrifice, and the love they showed our communities through their work,” he said. “On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and all who are grieving.”
The aircraft and crew were from Albuquerque-based CSI Aviation, the company said. The dead were two pilots and two health care providers, it said.
The flight was sent to provide air ambulance services to patients in eastern Arizona, it said. There were no patients on board.
“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,” CSI Aviation said.
The police department said that the plane was from an Albuquerque company and that the company has notified next-of-kin. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.