Los Banos, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, August 26, 2025, a single-engine plane crash caused fatal injuries to the pilot, identified as Mahesh Chigurupati, 31, of Santa Clara, according to KSEE.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office reports that the accident took place around 7:00 PM, when the plane crashed near Canyon Road and Interstate 5 in Los Banos.
Deputies responded after receiving reports of an aircraft going down in the area. When they arrived, they located the small plane wreckage and found Chigurupati deceased at the crash site. No passengers traveled with him, and no other injuries occurred.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration arrived to examine the crash scene. Officials stated that they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the cause of the aircraft’s descent.
Authorities confirmed that the wreckage remained contained to the area where the aircraft went down and did not strike any structures or vehicles. Emergency crews secured the site while federal investigators documented evidence and interviewed potential witnesses.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators as the inquiry remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death & Aircraft Accidents
Just like accidents involving motor vehicles, victims of aircraft accidents and their affected loved ones can pursue compensation for damages if it is found that someone else’s negligence contributed toward their accidental death or injury. A Wrongful Death claim can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support for dependents of the deceased.
Because California Law follows the legal principle of Comparative Negligence, even if the pilot shared responsibility in the accident, others may share a portion of the fault. A potential settlement may be decreased accordingly.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
