Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N5203H, fatal accident occurred on August 26, 2025, near Los Banos, California

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N5203H

- History of Flight:

On August 26, 2025, at about 1905 local time, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N5203H, registered to Tegridy Equipment Leasing LLC out of Aurora, Oregon, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Los Banos, California. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. The personal flight originated from San Jose-Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV/KRHV), San Jose, California, and was destined to an unknown location.

The exact purpose of the flight is unknown at the time of this writing.

According to preliminary automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data (Figure 1), at 1511 local time, the airplane departed runway 31R at KRHV and conducted a climbing right turn to an inflight cruising altitude of about 5,000 ft. At about 1556 LT, the airplane reached the Dos Palos area and began a series of circling orbits with altitudes ranging between 6,700 ft and 5,700 ft. At about 1630 LT, the airplane flew north and began another series of circlcing orbits over the Los Banos Wildlife area (Figure 2). At about 1701 LT, the airplane flew east and conducted 3 low altitude orbits before climbing to an altitude of 6,000 ft and proceeding to the south. At about 1713 LT, the airplane conducted 3 orbits and descended to an altitude of 3100 ft, heading southwest. At about 1741 LT, the airplane began a series of erratic circling orbits south of Los Banos. At about 1810 LT, the airplane flew northwest towards the area of the Wright Solar Park. At about 1826 LT, the airplane, for another time, began a series of circling orbits, which increased in intensity until the end of the track. The last series of orbits were conducted at altitudes lower than 3,000 ft. The last ADS-B return was recorded at 1905:02, the airplane was at 625 ft, 57 knots groundspeed, and descending 15,000 feet per minute (fpm), see figure 3.

Figure 1: ADS-B Exchange data of initial portion of accident flight up to 1701 LT

Figure 2: ADS-B Exchange data ran through Flysto (initial portion up to 1701 LT)

Figure 3: ADS-B Exchange data ran through Flysto (1701 LT up to end of track)

Figure 4: Altitude Profile from Flysto (1701 LT up to end of track)

Figure 5: Vertical Speed from Flysto (1701 LT up to end of track)

Figure 6: Turn Rate from Flysto (1701 LT up to end of track)

According to preliminary information, the airplane encountered issues shortly after takeoff from San Jose and was in contact with air traffic control during the entire accident flight. The pilot reported severe control issues. Additionally, another airplane was following the accident aircraft.

Witnesses said the airplane "nosed-dived" into the ground.

- Pilot Information:

unknown at this point

According to unconfirmed sources, the pilot held a certificated pilot license and owned an aircraft. The accident aircraft was a rental.

- Aircraft Information:

The accident aircraft, serial number 172S9732, was manufactured in 2004. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-360 180 horsepower engine. The airplane had a total of 53 gallons useable fuel.

The airplane was involved in an accident on August 3, 2016 in Palm Springs, California, when a student pilot lost control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a nose over.

- Wreckage and Impact Information:

The wreckage was located inverted in an open field in the area of the last ADS-B return. The airplane was heavily fragmented by impact forces. There was no post crash fire. Both wings and tail remained attached to the airframe. The impact appears consistent with a wings level, nose down impact.

- Weather:

METAR KMCE 270053Z AUTO 31006KT 10SM CLR 35/15 A2981 RMK AO2 SLP092 T03500150

METAR KMCE 270153Z AUTO 29005KT 10SM CLR 34/16 A2980 RMK AO2 SLP089 T03390161

METAR KMCE 270253Z AUTO 28006KT 9SM CLR 31/16 A2982 RMK AO2 SLP096 T03110161 55002

- Additional Information:
no