NTSB Factual Report

On July 17, 2018, about 0734 Pacific daylight time, a Ryan Navion B airplane, N5329K, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK), Truckee, California. The private pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries, and one passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was substantially damaged during the subsequent emergency landing. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to an audio recording provided by the Federal Aviation Administration between the pilot and the TRK air traffic control tower, shortly after takeoff from runway 11 and during the initial climb, the pilot reported to the controller that he had experienced a power failure and would be returning to the field. The controller cleared the pilot to land on any runway, followed by asking him if he needed assistance; the pilot did not reply. During the right turn the airplane lost altitude, impacted terrain in a flat attitude, and came to rest upright about 1 mile southeast of the departure end of runway 11.

The airplane was recovered to a secured facility for further examination.