November 11, 2020 – Just after 3:40 PM yesterday, the Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center received numerous 911 calls reporting an aircraft crash near the intersection of State Highway 174 and Meadow Drive. Rescue personnel, the California Highway Patrol, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Witnesses reported the plane had lost power before crashing away from the residences in the area.
A small, single engine, Piper Tomahawk airplane was located on an undeveloped lot near the intersection. The plane had crashed and was upside down on the cockpit with the pilot trapped inside. Rescue personnel were able to remove the severely injured pilot who was then transported, via air ambulance, to the Sutter Roseville Hospital where he died from his injuries.
The pilot was identified as 30-year-old Ronald Hooper from Rancho Cordova, California. Sheriff Deputies secured the scene and were awaiting the arrival of investigators from the FAA and NTSB.