Cessna 172S – N5203H Fatal Crash near Los Banos, California – August 26, 2025

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP N5203H Accident Overview
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP registered N5203H crashed between Santa Nella and Los Banos, California. The single-engine aircraft, owned and operated by Tegridy Equipment Leasing LLC, was destroyed in the accident. The sole occupant, the pilot, was fatally injured. No other fatalities or ground injuries were reported.

Aircraft and Registration Details
The aircraft involved was a 2004 Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP with manufacturer serial number 172S9732. It was operated privately at the time of the incident.

Flight Details
According to available ADS-B flight data, the Cessna 172S initially departed San Jose-Norman Y. Mineta International Airport (SJC) at 15:11 local time. Although the reported departure airport was San Jose-Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV), tracking data indicates the actual departure occurred from San Jose International. The intended destination was not specified.

Erratic Flight Path Before Crash
The aircraft flew toward the Los Banos region. At approximately 15:55, the flight track began showing unusual and erratic circling patterns in the area. This circling continued for several hours. At 18:56, the aircraft crashed in a rural location between Santa Nella and Los Banos.

Casualties and Damage
The pilot, who was the only person onboard, did not survive the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed on impact. No damage or injuries were reported on the ground.

Accident Classification
The mishap occurred during the en route phase of flight and has been categorized as a private flight accident. At this stage, information about the circumstances is based on preliminary reports from news and social media sources.

This accident highlights the tragic loss of life in a single-occupant general aviation crash. Further details from investigative authorities will provide more clarity on the sequence of events leading to the crash.