The aviation and medical communities are grieving the tragic loss of four dedicated professionals following a fatal medical aircraft crash on the Navajo Nation. Among those who perished were pilots Jeffrey Tuning and Amanda Benson, whose skill, professionalism, and devotion to their work touched countless lives.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, shortly after the aircraft departed Albuquerque, New Mexico, and attempted to land at the Chinle, Arizona airport. The twin-engine plane, operated by CSI Aviation, carried no patients at the time of the crash. Alongside Jeffrey and Amanda, flight nurse Kameilia “Kami” Chavez and flight paramedic Nicholas Mancuso also lost their lives.
In a heartfelt statement, William Collins, Chief Operating Officer of CSI Aviation, expressed the company’s profound grief:
“Our primary focus at this moment is on the families and loved ones of the friends we lost this week. The collective heart of our company is shattered. With profound sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving for Jeff, Amanda, Kami, and Nick. We share in your sorrow, pray for your comfort and healing, and firmly believe that none of these remarkable individuals will be forgotten.”
Jeffrey Tuning was widely respected in the aviation community for his steady leadership in the cockpit, meticulous attention to safety, and unwavering commitment to his colleagues. Amanda Benson, equally skilled and admired, was known not only for her exceptional piloting abilities but also for the warmth and encouragement she brought to every mission. Together, their teamwork in the air embodied the highest standards of their profession.
The crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, with CSI Aviation pledging its full cooperation. While answers are still sought about the cause of the accident, what remains clear is the irreplaceable loss of four lives dedicated to saving others.
For their families, friends, and co-workers, Jeffrey and Amanda’s passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled. They will be remembered not only for their technical excellence but also for their humanity, compassion, and the countless safe journeys they ensured for patients in need.
The families and CSI Aviation request privacy as they grieve, even as tributes and remembrances pour in from across the country. Jeffrey Tuning and Amanda Benson’s legacy will live on in the lives they touched and the missions they carried out in service to others.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a combined tribute for all four victims that tells their individual stories while honoring them as a united medical flight team. That could make the piece even more moving.
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