The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the pilot who tragically lost his life in a plane crash in a La Jolla neighborhood last week. Michael Mehdi Salour, a 74-year-old Carlsbad resident, was flying a Cessna Centurion registered under his name when the accident occurred.

The incident took place on Wednesday night, when Salour’s plane crashed into an embankment near Caminito Claro, south of La Jolla Village Drive. Unfortunately, the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.

With over 17,000 hours of flight time and numerous flying certifications, Salour was an experienced aviator. His website provides further information about his extensive aviation background and achievements.

The plane had departed from Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and had flown to the Bay Area before its ill-fated return journey. Due to adverse weather conditions, the aircraft was diverted to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in Kearny Mesa. Despite the pilot’s attempts, the plane failed to land safely.

During communication with SoCal Approach, the FAA air traffic controllers responsible for managing airspace between airports, Salour reported low fuel levels. Shortly after, he stated that he had completely run out of fuel and urgently needed to land the six-seater aircraft. Despite the controller’s efforts to guide him to a nearby runway, the pilot was unable to make it.

Following several hours of search efforts, the wreckage was eventually discovered hidden among brush and trees in the residential neighborhood. The plane had come to a rest just a few yards away from the backyards of several homes.

An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that the aircraft had been transported to a secure location for further analysis. The NTSB will be conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the various factors contributing to the crash, which may include weather conditions, the pilot’s credentials, and the condition of the aircraft.

A preliminary report by the NTSB is expected to be released in approximately two weeks, while the final report may take up to 18 months or longer.

In addition to his flying career, Salour was an accomplished individual with multiple degrees from prestigious universities. Notably, he held a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University and had founded and/or owned various communications and technology companies. He had also served as a faculty member at multiple universities.

According to the FAA database, Salour possessed valid certificates as an airline transport pilot, flight engineer, and flight instructor.