NTSB releases preliminary investigation on plane crash that killed two on their way to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two cousins on their way to South Lake Tahoe to enjoy their timeshare died in a plane crash in the mountains south of Lake Tahoe on June 12, 2024. Raphael Jones Jr., 74, of San Jose, and Nannete Singer, 80, of Lodi, died in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on the crash.

According to the report, the airplane was the subject of an alert notice issued by the Federal Aviation Administration due to a concerned family member when the pilot and passenger did not arrive at Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL) as planned. Family members reported that they had spoken to the pilot earlier in the day and the pilot indicated that they were running late and would be arriving at TVL around 3:30 p.m.

The plane had taken off from Lodi, Calif.

At 1 a.m. the following morning, the airplane was located by the Alpine County Sheriff's Office in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest at 8,000 ft about 10 miles south of TVL. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane came to rest inverted in a clearing about 75 yards from a service road. The first identified point of contact was (FIPC) a 75-ft tall tree that was missing limbs and a portion of the tree trunk located within the debris path. Also in the debris path, about 25 ft from the FIPC, was a portion of the empennage and tail section lodged in the top of an approximate 15 ft tall tree. The main wreckage was located about 10 ft beyond the tree. All major structural components of the airplane were located throughout the wreckage debris path, according to the preliminary report.

NTSB has determined the Luscombe 8A aircraft crashed at 3:25 p.m. June 12.
The airplane as recovered is in a secure facility for further examination.