NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Placer County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to a report of a plane going down southwest of the Olympic Valley area on Sunday, March 22, at about 5:30 p.m.
The aircraft was traveling to the Truckee Tahoe Airport.
At approximately the same time the aircraft disappeared from radar, the PCSO dispatch center received an Apple crash alert in the area. With the assistance of the CHP – Air Operations and Care Flight, an aerial search was initiated, and the downed aircraft was found.
Due to the remote and rugged terrain, Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team personnel were deployed. Some crews, including deputies, were flown into the area, while others responded by ground to reach the crash site.
Tragically, the pilot was found deceased inside the plane. They are believed to have been the sole occupant.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have been notified, and they \will be investigating.
Tahoe National Forest closes Five Lakes area following airplane crash in order to provide for public safety following the downed aircraft within the U.S. Forest Service’s Granite Chief Wilderness, Tahoe National Forest has issued the closure of all National Forest lands and trails surrounding the incident location. The closure is effective through April 7, 2026 and may be terminated earlier if public safety measures are mitigated.
The closure is required for public safety due to current unknown dangers resulting from wreckage and to allow public service partners to complete required incident investigations. The National Transportation Safety Board serves as lead agency on the crash investigation.
No other information is available Monday morning.