On Thursday morning, June 13, a Luscombe 8A single-engine plane crashed in the rugged mountains near Luther Pass, Northern California about 10 miles south of South Lake Tahoe. The fatal accident claimed the lives of both occupants on board.
Authorities were alerted to the situation around 1 a.m., following reports of an overdue aircraft. The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, utilizing the last known coordinates from the plane’s GPS transponder, launched a search operation that led them to the discovery near Willow Creek Road. The challenging terrain posed significant obstacles for the rescue teams.
According to information from the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, the two victims were identified as the pilot Raphael Jones Jr. 74, of San Jose, and Jeanette Shriver Singer, 80, from Lodi.
“This event is a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in aviation, especially in mountainous areas,” remarked a spokesperson from the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), have taken charge of the investigation. Their preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft was indeed in a precarious position, which may have contributed to the unfortunate outcome. The NTSB has been actively updating the public and interested parties through their social media platforms, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their investigation.
“The area where the aircraft crashed is known for its challenging flying conditions. Our investigation will examine all possible factors, including mechanical issues and weather conditions at the time of the crash,” an NTSB representative explained.
Local residents expressed their sorrow and concern. “It’s always deeply saddening to hear about such incidents. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives,” shared a South Lake Tahoe community member.
As the investigation proceeds, the aviation community awaits answers that could help prevent future incidents.
In remembrance of the lives lost, the community plans to hold a vigil. “It’s a small gesture, but we hope it helps the families feel that they are not alone during this difficult time,” another local added.
