Operators Were Standing By

The Record-Courier, Gardnerville, Nevada:

According to eyewitnesses the plane crashed about 8:30 a.m., shortly after takeoff. The plane, a two-seat experimental called a Comp Air 6, landed upside down just a few yards west of Bliss Road opposite the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center....

The plane appeared to be struggling as it took off northbound, according to eyewitness Gordon Campbell. He was working near the accident. "The plane was gaining a little altitude but it was barely moving," he said. "It banked to the left before it lost power."

Just south of Carson City at 4700 feet elevation, Minden-Tahoe has plenty of room. Don't turn around, dummy--land straight ahead.

Update: The Reno Gazette-Journal has picked up the story, and has a better picture.