July 2, 2019, Moscow, Russia. Airplane Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Vistajet airline at Vnukovo airport in Moscow.

Deadly Airplane Crash Reported Near Truckee-Tahoe Airport

Four Deaths Occur When Airplane Crashes on Approach

A deadly airplane crash occurred near the Truckee-Tahoe Airport on July 26 when a small business jet crashed. None of the four people on board survived. The plane, identified as a Bombardier Challenger, was approaching the Truckee airport at the time the crash occurred. This plane can carry up to two pilots and 12 passengers. The air disaster occurred when the plane went down in a heavily treed area, which started a fire. 

Identities of the Fatalities in Truckee Airplane Crash Not Yet Released

An official with Cal Fire said the blaze was limited to a small area and did not spread to structures nearby. In addition, the plane struck some power lines, which knocked out the power in the area. The Nevada County Coroner said it was fortunate the plane didn’t strike any of those nearby structures. The coroner’s office has not yet released the names of those who died in the collision.

Further Information About the Airplane Crash

A press conference was held the same day as the crash, and airport officials announced that they didn’t know where the flight originated. The tower did have radio contact with the pilot before the airplane crash, but the exchange between them was not released. Airport officials say that haze and smoke in the area may have factored into the airplane crash.

Information About the Plane and Airport

The plane in question is a private luxury jet with small wings often used by businessmen for corporate travel. According to pilot Stephen Thompson, who heads Executive Flyers, Inc., the plane is built for speed, and he thinks weather conditions may have contributed to the airplane crash. He stated that these planes are normally landing at a speed of around 170 mph and that the airport requires that the pilot be able to see at least 1,600 feet of the runway. Because winds at this high-altitude airport can be unpredictable and erratic, pilots landing there have to have the ability to divert up to the last minute to be safe.

Investigation Underway to Determine Cause of Airplane Crash

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the airplane crash to determine why it occurred. In June, a smaller plane also crashed near the airport shortly after takeoff. In that airplane crash, one person died, and another suffered injuries. 

Causes of Accidents Involving Private Planes

Each day, nearly four private planes crash in the United States. Many cause serious injuries or fatalities. Some of the reasons these accidents happen include:

  • Pilot error or a medical problem
  • Inadequate pilot training
  • Losing control of the plane because the engine has failed
  • Failure in the system components caused by a defective part
  • Bad weather conditions
  • Home-constructed planes, which are more apt to crash
  • Poor or improper maintenance of the aircraft

Related Articles by Sacramento Airplane Accident Lawyer Ed Smith:

Sacramento Airplane Accident Lawyer

I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento airplane accident lawyer. When you’ve lost a loved one in a plane crash, you might want to find out whether you can file a claim for wrongful death. Although it won’t ease your grief, it can help bring you closure knowing the at-fault party is being held responsible. Call for our compassionate, free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. You can also reach us at (800) 404-5400 or online by sending us a message.

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Photo attribution: iStock-1270034342 Pavel Byrkin

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