Carson Valley, Nevada, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Ranches with green pastures end abruptly on the valley’s west side, where the Sierra Range soars toward heaven. Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement, is nestled at the juncture of pastures and mountains below the 9,000′ Genoa Peak. Sadly, while beautiful, Genoa Peak is also a place of tragedy. Paradise Flight 901A, crashed into Genoa Peak, and 85 people lost their lives. Hampered by the weather and remoteness, the recovery of the victims was a month-long process.
Paradise 901A
On March 1, 1964, Paradise Flight 901A, bound from San Jose, California, crashed into Genoa Peak after two failed landing attempts at Lake Tahoe. At the time, it was the second worst single plane crash in the US. All 85 passengers and crew were killed as the plane struck the mountainside at over 200 miles per hour.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The first impact for flight Paradise 901A was Tahoe’s tall pine trees which ripped open luggage compartments, scattering suitcases over the hillside. The plane then impacted the mountain at the site of the memorial then veered east and came to rest on the mountain side.
What caused Paradise 901A to crash?
Accounts of the crash describe a litany of errors and safety violations. The plane had faulty navigational equipment, no de-icing capability and discrepancies in maintenance records. Both altimeters and the fluxgate compass were known to be faulty. Maintenance crews worked on them the day before the crash but did not follow all checks required by the safety manual.
The crash was caused by pilot error, a falsified weather report, and illegal maintenance practices.
Civil Aeronautics Board
For unknown reasons, Parasdie flight 901A diverted east towards Carson Valley over Daggett Pass, possibly to land at Minden Airport. Due to poor flight conditions and mechanical issues they were farther north over 8900′ Genoa Peak, 1500′ higher altitude than the pass. Had they been over Daggett Pass they would have had ample altitude to cross the Sierras. Even with higher Genoa Peak, had they been 100′ to the right they would have cleared the mountain.
Recovery of Flight 901A
Because of the remoteness of the site and blizzard conditions, rescuers spent nearly a month locating the victims’ remains. The sparsely populated Carson Valley did not have facilities to handle so many deceased.
The C.V.I.C. Hall, the center of Carson Valley community life, was pressed into service as a makeshift morgue. The bodies of the first seven victims arrived at the C.V.I.C. on March 3rd. Emergency services recovered the final body on March 30th. The impact was so violent that FBI investigators were brought in to undertake the grisly process of identifying scattered remains. Local families opened their doors to grieving relatives who came to claim their loved ones.
Paradise 901A crash site
Years afterward, the mountain remained littered with bits of luggage and personal items, poignant reminders of a sudden and deadly catastrophe. A memorial marks the site of impact. Visitors have gathered debris at the base of the crosses.
Visitors to the site can still see the aircraft’s wreckage despite the work of “souvenir hunters.” Personal items including hair brushes, make-up compacts and clothing were gathered by visitors and placed at the base of the memorial. Over the last twenty years, many of these items disappeared.
Sites where tragedy occurred affect people in different ways. For me, Susan’s Bluff touched me deeply and she remains on my mind. For Hubby, it is the Paradise 901A crash site that haunts him. It is a place of beauty and peace where eight-five families needlessly lost their loved ones.
Visited 10-4-2020
Update (December 16, 2022)
I have been notified a gate has since been installed on the road to the crash site marking it as private property.
References
- Civil Aeronautics Board: Aircraft Accident Report
- Flight Safety Foundation: Paradise Airlines Flight 901A
- The New Times: 85 ON LOST PLANE ARE FOUND DEAD; Airliner Hit Sierra Ridge in Storm at Lake Tahoe
- The San Francisco Examiner: Pilot blamed in Death of 85. July 16, 1965
- Tahoe Daily Tribune: Relatives remember Tahoe’s worst plane crash 50 years later
- Wikipedia: Paradise Airlines Flight 901A
Steve Knight says
Good write up. It’s been years since you and your Hubby and I visited the site. Good research. Thanks again. We need to go again. I’m looking for something.
Tami says
I would like to get better pictures of the site, it was smoky when we went. I also want to drive the road again, especially on the Kingsbury side, and see how my skills have improved.
Terry says
Graduated from Sparks High in 1965 and don’t remember news reports about this tragedy.
Tami says
Hubby forgot about the crash until I came across a reference to it. He was too young to remember the crash, but his family spoke of it.
T says
I remember this, I was 8 years old. What a tragedy it was.
Tami says
My husband was too young to remember it, but after I discovered the crash, he remembered his family talking about it.
Lee Ann Eurs says
Hi Tammy, My mom was among the 85 people aboard that flight. I was six years old at the time, my sister, 8. My sister lived in Truckee for many years and we have hiked up there three times and would like to go again with our grandkids. You mentioned a locked gate. Can you tell me if it is accessible or where we might get permission to visit the sight?
Tami says
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother: I can’t imagine losing her in such a tragic accident. I lost my father but was a teenager, and it was horrible.
I have not been to Genoa Peak since my last visit. Several groups tried to go this summer but couldn’t find the route. They realized later a gate blocked the access road. I was told it is private property, which seems strange to me.
I hope the property owners will give access to the site and memorial to family members of those who perished.
I will check with a friend to see if he knows who owns the property. I will do everything I can to facilitate your visit.
Chris says
Here is the route from the gate to the crash memorial. It is about 1/3 of a mile and up a VERY steep and loose dirt road – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43293615
Here is the slightly longer route (0.7 miles) that is much easier to walk https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43293633
Tami says
Thank you for the information, do those routes go around the private property? Family members of a victim of the crash contacted me and would like to visit the memorial.
Sharon McDonald says
Is it possible to get there on “ off road vehicles “ – either way ? My 2 Highschool/college roommates & dates died in the crash( originally we were ALL slated to go ) – wanted to place memorial for them – however, it’s now 60 years later , so, although I’m healthy – hiking far on rough, uneven land is NOT my strength! When my kids went up a few years ago – it WAS possible to get there on off road vehicles. Planning for this Summer !
Sharon McDonald says
Is it possible now ( March 2024) & on – Summer 2024 to get to the crash site – since it is private property ?? Or, is it necessary to get some sort of a special permit ?? My 2 college roommates( prior Highschool friends) & the 2 boys they were dating (all San Jose State students) perished in this horrific crash. My grown children went up to the site 3 yrs ago ( while out adventuring) & this Summer ( traditional TAHOE trip) we wanted to take a remembrance signs for them up to the site , & I plan to go with them . Since I now live in So. California I’d like to have everything “ in place “ before we go.
Tami says
The last I heard was in the fall, and the site was still blocked off. From my off-road map, it is all national forest except for the top of Genoa Peak, where the crash site is. From the satellite view, it looks like they have some structures up there, maybe a radio tower.
I would start with the county assessor’s office and see who owns the property. I know one person who might have some contacts to get access if you can’t find it.
It is definitely a Jeep or ATV road only. The roads might have improved if something was built at the top of the peak. It usually doesn’t open until June due to snow. If you get access and don’t have off-road vehicles, I might be able to set up some for you.
I am sorry for losing your friends. Placing a memorial is a lovely idea. I hope the owners will give you access for that purpose.
SHARON MC DONALD says
Tami, I had a sign made with my 4 friends names & we will be going to Tahoe from July 25 – Aug 3, 2024. We would VERY MUCH like to be able to get up, or close to the site & place the sign. We had already planned on renting ATV’s , but the sign is larger & heavier than I had understood & carrying it any great distance seems very difficult ! I have a very SAVY son-in-law who will be up with us & a 23, 20, & 15 yr old grandsons along with my 3 daughters , 2 granddaughters & me who planned to ( hopefully) get it to the site. This has been in my mind since the yr before Covid when renting ATV’s the rental guy mentioned it & my oldest daughter KNEW THE WHOLE STORY of my roommates !!! I would SO LOVE to be able to get it up there – even if I have to hire someone to take it up beyond the gate !!! We have 2 days not available July 26 & 29 – other days open . If you have any solutions that might help us get this done – I would be very grateful for added formation & or sources . THANK YOU – Sharon M.
Al Hom says
Just to give an update to several questions by different people since I went yesterday (Sat, 6.29.24). There is still a gate from the road to the trail going up to the crash site. The gate looks to have been put up by the US Forest Service to prevent vehicle access and I don’t remember seeing any private property signs. One of the guys in our group does remember there was a time before the gate you could drive up the trail to the site with a Jeep or ATV.
Either way you can just walk around the gate and I doubt permission or a permit would be needed. In the above comments from Chris and his maps showing the hiking options are spot on. I did the steeper shorter trail on the way up and took the longer easier trail on the way down. The group I hiked up with ranged in a couple of young children to those in their 70’s. Since it wasn’t mentioned so it might be a late addition, there is now a swing from a tree off to the side of the memorial.
Tami says
Thanks for the update Al, I meant to ask if you could make it to the crash site. Several family members and friends of victims have contacted me asking if they can visit the memorial.
The swing was there before, I left it out as it didn’t fit with the crash.
Karen Billman says
Hi Tami, my father’s brother was among those who perished on that tragic day. We were able to take him there during Covid. I know my brothers have mentioned they would like to visit again, I know I definitely would like to as we weren’t able to stay to long due to the heat, and my dad and his other brother being elderly
Tami says
A few family members and friends have wanted to visit, but the road to the site is blocked. I heard recently that you can hike in, but I haven’t confirmed that. At that altitude, it would be difficult for many people.
Email me at Tami@NVTami.com. I’ll check with a friend and see if he knows how we can get access to drive in.