Pilot dies taking off from Truckee airport

By KTVN-TV

A pilot was killed in a small plane crash in Truckee on Thursday morning.

The Truckee-Tahoe Airport general manager says the crash happened as the plane was taking off about 8:15am.

He says he witnessed part of the crash and it seemed as if the plane was having difficulty climbing while taking.

Firefighters who responded say the single-engine plane actually crashed through the top of a hangar.

“The plane literally dropped in through the top of the hangar and a fatality is inside,” says Paul Spencer.

The pilot was the only person on board and died at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.

No one else as hurt.

Crews had to spend much of the day cleaning up a fuel spill caused by the crash.

National Transportation Safety Board is on the way to the crash site to take over the investigation.