Passengers Killed In Reno Small-Plane Crash Identified

RENO, Nev. (CBS SF) – Authorities in Washoe County on Monday identified the three passengers killed Sunday night when their small plane bound for San Carlos crashed in the Tahoe International Airport parking lot.

According to authorities, the single-engine Piper Cherokee had a mechanical issue after takeoff Sunday evening at around 6:15 p.m. It crashed in the airport parking lot. All three passengers on board were killed.

The Washoe County medical examiner's office on Monday afternoon said that the two male victims who died in the crash were the pilot, 57-year-old Robert Drescher of Stevenson Ranch, Calif., and 46-year-old Ed Mumbert of Santa Cruz.

The third passenger was identified as a female, 34-year-old Ronnie Hernandez. Her residence was unknown.

Investigators announced earlier Monday that the small plane involved in the crash was headed to the Bay Area.

The plane was headed to San Carlos Airport on the Peninsula.

Sunday's plane crash comes less than two weeks after a deadly plane crash in the nearby city of Sparks.

"Not only here at Tahoe international, but in my 25 year career in airport public relations have never seen two fatal crashes outside of the Air Races that were this close in time of fatalities," said Brian Kulpin, Vice President of Public Affairs at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. "So incredibly unusual, unheard of hear at Reno-Tahoe international."

Investigators are trying to figure out what exactly caused the crash. Nearly 100 cars will have to stay in the lot until the investigation is complete.