Crash in Merced County claims life of identified pilot in small aircraft
In a tragic incident, a small plane crash in Merced County, California, on Wednesday evening has claimed the life of the pilot, 31-year-old Mahesh Chigurupati. The crash site was located just a few hundred yards from Interstate 5.
The single-engine Cessna, under the control of Chigurupati, was reportedly in distress for several hours before the crash. According to flight tracking data, the plane circled for nearly three hours before it came down.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. As part of their investigation, they will be reviewing flight track data, air traffic control communications, and any available surveillance video. The exact location of the crash site within Merced County has not been disclosed.
A man anonymously reported hearing distress calls from Chigurupati around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday over an aviation scanner. The plane's flight controls were reportedly not functioning during the distress calls.
Mahesh Chigurupati, originally from Santa Clara, presumably last left the location near the crash site before the accident. The NTSB's investigation into the crash will also involve reviewing the air traffic control communications.
Any available surveillance video will be reviewed as part of the NTSB's investigation into the crash. The authorities are currently investigating the incident, but no further details about the cause of the crash have been released.
A preliminary report from the NTSB's investigation is expected within 30 days. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mahesh Chigurupati during this difficult time.
