TRUCKEE, Calif. - The pilot of a twin-engine passenger plane that crashed while attempting to take off Wednesday morning at Truckee Tahoe Airport is in stable condition, emergency officials said.
Greg Burch, battalion chief at Truckee Fire Protection District, said the pilot was able to exit his plane after the crash at about 9:24 a.m. Wednesday. The pilot told emergency personnel the aircraft had somehow stalled during takeoff.
"He staggered out of the aircraft and was helped by airport crews," Burch said.
Jennifer Hutchins, communication officer at CalFire, said the pilot has been flown to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno to be treated for serious burns.
Wednesday's crash occurred between the airport's runway and taxiway, with the plane skidding to a halt several yards from the point of impact and bursting into flames. A large plume of smoke could be seen throughout the Martis Valley, where the airport is located.