What happened
On August 26, 2025, a Cessna 172S, registration N5203H, crashed in an open agricultural field near Los Banos, California. The accident resulted in 1 fatality.
The flight departed from Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) in San Jose at approximately 15:20. During the flight, the pilot reported to air traffic control that excessive aft pressure was required on the yoke to prevent the aircraft from pitching nose-down, subsequently declaring an emergency at 16:29. ADS-B data showed the aircraft's altitude fluctuating between approximately 5,200 and 5,900 feet msl during this period.
Other aircraft in the vicinity attempted to assist. One crew offered to provide visual monitoring and suggested following a route to Los Banos Municipal Airport (LSN). Another aircraft departed LSN to provide troubleshooting assistance. After troubleshooting efforts failed to resolve the flight control anomalies, the pilot of N5203H initiated a plan for an off-airport landing.
In the final minutes of flight, ADS-B data indicated a right spiraling descent from 3,000 feet msl to 1,500 feet msl. ATC audio recorded the pilot discussing landing site selection with the assisting aircraft. During the approach, the assisting pilot advised the use of left rudder to assist with directional control. The aircraft's altitude briefly increased to 1,800 feet msl before descending until ADS-B contact was lost. Video from first responders showed the aircraft maneuvering at a low altitude before entering a near-vertical descent and impacting the terrain.
The investigation
The aircraft impacted an agricultural field approximately 4.5 nm southwest of LSN. The wreckage was concentrated within an 88-foot area. The engine was compressed into the cockpit and cabin area, and the empennage rested on the right wing. The propeller hub and blades were located in a ground crater, with ground scars extending across the width of the wings. The aircraft had a pre-existing maintenance note regarding an inoperative autopilot, which had been disabled since May 2025.