'Adventurous, Beautiful' Young Rural Pilot Dies in Shock Accident, Dad Blames Hazardous Construct Near Airport

The father of a woman killed when her plane crashed in 🏞️Idaho says obstructions on the ground near the airport could have been a factor in her death.

Chelsea Brittney Infanger, 30, of Salmon, 🏞️Idaho, died Wednesday when the single-engine Cessna she was flying crashed into the Gem State Processing Plant in Heyburn, 🏞️Idaho, at about 8:35 a.m., according to East Idaho News.

Although the investigation into the crash is ongoing, her dad, Jim Bob Infanger, said ground conditions have become worse as the plant expands. Burley Municipal Airport is at the edge of the Snake River, just across from the plant.

Although his daughter often flew there, he said, there were hazards for pilots.

“There’s a 60-foot chimney sticking out of the top of the food processing plant — no lights on it, dead center — straight across the runway. So whenever you come in, you have to fly over the top of this and drop down,” he said.

Infanger said Cassia County has been urged to close the airport