The pilot of a 1946 Cessna 120 found crashed east of Carson City on Sunday has been identified as Joseph James Miceli, 59, of Wellington, according to the Carson City Sheriff's Office.
On Sunday, shortly before 2 p.m., the Carson City Sheriff’s Office was notified of a suspected aircraft crash site located in the pine nut range several miles east of Sierra Vista (Carson River) in southern Carson City. By nightfall, Search and Rescue crews, along with detectives were able to access the site and confirm the information. The assistance of FAA and NTSB was requested, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
Monday morning, rescue crews from the FAA, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and Carson City Fire Department accessed the crash site. Crews were able to remove the sole occupant of the aircraft. The aircraft has been identified as one of several owned by Miceli, a 1946 Cessna 120.
Early information received suggested that Miceli left from Wellington in his aircraft during the afternoon hours Saturday. On Sunday, at approximately the same time as the discovery of the aircraft, Miceli was being reported missing to Lyon County authorities. It is not known at this time if Miceli ever arrived at the Carson City Airport, or if he was returning to Wellington. Exact time of the crash has not been determined.
The NTSB has jurisdictional authority on the investigation. Miceli’s body was removed and transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed.