Pilot killed in small plane crash near Los Banos; NTSB investigating

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Federal investigators are working to determine what caused a small plane to crash in a field south of Los Banos, killing the pilot.

The single-engine Cessna went down Wednesday evening just a few hundred yards from Interstate 5, according to the Merced County Sheriff's Office. The pilot, who was the only person on board, has not been publicly identified.

1 person dead after plane crash in Merced County, deputies say

The National Transportation Safety Board said an investigator was on scene Thursday documenting the wreckage and collecting evidence. The Federal Aviation Administration is also assisting in the investigation.

Action News has learned the pilot was flying alone in a small single-engine Cessna. Investigators believe he departed from Reid-Hillview County Airport in the San Jose area. As he made his way into Merced County, the flight took a terrifying turn.

A man who asked to remain anonymous told ABC30 he heard the pilot's distress calls over an aviation scanner around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The pilot reported that his flight controls were not working and that he could only fly in circles.

"He told NorCal that his control services weren't working and he could only go in a circle pattern," the witness said.

Flight tracking data shows the plane circled for nearly three hours before crashing. The witness said two other pilots tried to help by flying alongside the distressed aircraft and offering reassurance over the radio.

"With these two planes that were nearby and able to see the visuals, they were able to provide the distress pilot with a calming voice," the witness said. "I believe that kind of helped him to fight a little longer."

First responders, including a sheriff's helicopter, arrived within minutes of the crash. Authorities described the incident as a rare tragedy for the region.

"On occasion, we do have plane accidents here," said Capt. Aaron Rosenberg of the Merced County Sheriff's Office. "Generally, they're not this severe. In my recent memory, this is the first time I know of a fatal airplane accident in Merced County."

The NTSB said its investigation will include reviewing flight track data, air traffic control communications and any available surveillance video. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

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