On May 17, 2026, at approximately 8:25 a.m., the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office received a request to assist in locating a possible missing aircraft last reported to be near the area of Empire, Nevada.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue personnel and Pyramid Lake Fire responded to the area and, after a coordinated search effort, located a single-engine private aircraft approximately 7.5 miles southwest of Empire.
Two deceased individuals were located inside the aircraft.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct the formal aircraft accident investigation.
The identities of the decedents will be released by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office following notification of next of kin.
An update related to this case will be provided by the NTSB following the conclusion of their investigation.
