I recall reading about a DC 3 gamblers charter that was flying to Reno or Vegas from someplace in Calif and disappeared somewhere in the Sierra Mtns. This happened long ago (1950s?), but the strange thing is that not a trace was ever found. Does anyone recall this tale?

Yes, I recall the story vividly. I had just begun my
short career with KNX radio in Los Angeles. This was the very first story assignment handed me by
the desk editor. I remember the incident occured in 1969. The aircraft which was in fact a DC-3 charter dubbed "The Gamblers Special" was out of Burbank I believe. It was missing for some time and brought out if the woodwork every wacko who thought he or she had some kind of devine gift of
mental telepathy. I am sure the aircraft was finally located but I don't recall the details.

Doug

From Henderson TO Burbank:
http://aviation-safety.net/database/1969/690218-1.htm

Capt. Hoppy of whiteman airport still flies today. I noticed that his left arm had the appearance of a shark attack..all buggered up! He said he was flying a load of gamblers in the dc3 from burbank and the faa had just written up the plane for excessive oil leaks! He was delayed in taking off from burbank, waiting for a passenger driving to catch the flight. The company policy was no night flying. Well they took off late. One engine quit then shortly after the other quit. He was barely able to make out a dry lake and did a controlled crash onto the lake. The plane landed upside down, most of the passengers belted in hanging upside down, landing gear ripped off wings ripped off. A real miracle everyone survived. He got the worst of it. His arm went out the window and was badly mangled! He showed me the pictures of the wreck to proove it. Hoppy is an active inspector cfii and flies a c421, turbine commander and other aircraft. My guess is he's about 74! Sky King Contributing writer to beech 18.net discussion forum...see also beech18.com