A small plane owned by a prominent Indian-origin cardiologist crashed in the US state of California, killing two persons, including the physician, and causing a major fire that engulfed nearby homes and left a swath of destruction, according to media reports.

Dr Sugata Das, who worked as an Interventional Cardiologist at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Arizona, owned the twin-engine Cessna C340 aircraft, media reports said.

However, there's no confirmation whether Das was the pilot at the time of the crash on Monday, KYMA.Com, a CBS/NBC-affiliated TV station, reported on Tuesday.

"We are deeply sad to hear news of a plane owned by local cardiologist Sugata Das, which crashed near Santee (California)," YRMC's Chief Medical Officer Bharat Magu said in a statement.

"As an outstanding cardiologist and dedicated family man, Das leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our prayers and support to his family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time," Magu said on the Pune-born doctor.

A family friend told NBC 7 that Das worked at the YRMC but lived in San Diego, flying back and forth frequently.

The crash near Santana High School in Santee, a suburb of some 50,000 people, appeared to have sparked a fire that burned at least two homes, damaged five others and several vehicles, but responding firefighters were able to put out the blaze before it spread to other houses.

Another person who died was a UPS worker who was on the ground.

United Parcel Service of America Inc. Confirmed that one of its employees was killed during the plane crash.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of our employee, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We also send our condolences for the other individuals who are involved in this incident, and their families and friends." KXTV, an ABC affiliate, reported, citing a statement issued by the UPS.

The city of Santee said that in addition to two fatalities, two other victims had been transferred to a hospital in unknown condition. Debris litters a block-long area, and power in the neighborhood has been turned off.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane crashed at about 12:15 p.M. On Monday.

"We do not yet know how many people were on board,"&nbsp;it said.&nbsp;San Diego County spokesperson Donna Durckel said the plane had taken off from Yuma, Arizona, and intended to land at San Diego's Montgomery Field, media reports said.

But the pilot had an emergency and made a crash landing, Durckel said.

In audio of Das' exchanges with Air Traffic Control about a half-mile from the runway, a controller can be heard telling Das his plane is too low.

"Low altitude alert, climb immediately, climb the airplane,"&nbsp;NBC 7 quoted the controller as telling Das.

The controller repeatedly urges him to climb to 5,000 feet, and when it remains at 1,500 feet warns: "You appear to be descending again, sir."

Jim Slaff, who got a call from his neighbours about the incident, said his parents lived in one of the homes and were rushed to hospital, but was not sure the extent of their injuries.

Slaff described the scene to FOX 5 channel as "something you would see in a war zone".

The FAA said it and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.&nbsp;

The Cessna C340 is usually used for business. The plane has the capacity to seat six passengers, with two seats in the front and two in the back.

Born in a Bengali family, Das grew up in Pune. He was also the director of the Power of Love Foundation, a US non-profit organisation that is involved in helping women and children overseas that are infected or affected by AIDS and HIV, according to its website.

The website said Das, the father of two boys, lived in San Diego and was the owner of a twin-engine Cessna 340 and as well as an RV9A, a two-seat, single-engine aircraft. An instrument-rated pilot, Das flew between his home and Yuma.

A small plane owned by a prominent Indian-origin cardiologist crashed in the US state of California, killing two persons, including the physician, and causing a major fire that engulfed nearby homes and left a swath of destruction, according to media reports.

A small plane owned by a prominent Indian-origin cardiologist crashed in the US state of California, killing two persons, including the physician, and causing a major fire that engulfed nearby homes and left a swath of destruction, according to media reports. Dr Sugata Das, who worked as an Interventional Cardiologist at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Arizona, owned the twin-engine Cessna C340 aircraft, media reports said. However, there's no confirmation whether Das was the pilot at the time of the crash on Monday, KYMA.Com, a CBS/NBC-affiliated TV station, reported on Tuesday. "We are deeply sad to hear news of a plane owned by local cardiologist Sugata Das, which crashed near Santee (California)," YRMC's Chief Medical Officer Bharat Magu said in a statement. "As an outstanding cardiologist and dedicated family man, Das leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our prayers and support to his family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time," Magu said on the Pune-born doctor. A family friend told NBC 7 that Das worked at the YRMC but lived in San Diego, flying back and forth frequently. The crash near Santana High School in Santee, a suburb of some 50,000 people, appeared to have sparked a fire that burned at least two homes, damaged five others and several vehicles, but responding firefighters were able to put out the blaze before it spread to other houses. Another person who died was a UPS worker who was on the ground. United Parcel Service of America Inc. Confirmed that one of its employees was killed during the plane crash. "We are heartbroken by the loss of our employee, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We also send our condolences for the other individuals who are involved in this incident, and their families and friends." KXTV, an ABC affiliate, reported, citing a statement issued by the UPS. The city of Santee said that in addition to two fatalities, two other victims had been transferred to a hospital in unknown condition. Debris litters a block-long area, and power in the neighborhood has been turned off. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane crashed at about 12:15 p.M. On Monday. "We do not yet know how many people were on board," it said. San Diego County spokesperson Donna Durckel said the plane had taken off from Yuma, Arizona, and intended to land at San Diego's Montgomery Field, media reports said. But the pilot had an emergency and made a crash landing, Durckel said. In audio of Das' exchanges with Air Traffic Control about a half-mile from the runway, a controller can be heard telling Das his plane is too low. "Low altitude alert, climb immediately, climb the airplane," NBC 7 quoted the controller as telling Das. The controller repeatedly urges him to climb to 5,000 feet, and when it remains at 1,500 feet warns: "You appear to be descending again, sir." Jim Slaff, who got a call from his neighbours about the incident, said his parents lived in one of the homes and were rushed to hospital, but was not sure the extent of their injuries. Slaff described the scene to FOX 5 channel as "something you would see in a war zone". The FAA said it and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. The Cessna C340 is usually used for business. The plane has the capacity to seat six passengers, with two seats in the front and two in the back. Born in a Bengali family, Das grew up in Pune. He was also the director of the Power of Love Foundation, a US non-profit organisation that is involved in helping women and children overseas that are infected or affected by AIDS and HIV, according to its website. The website said Das, the father of two boys, lived in San Diego and was the owner of a twin-engine Cessna 340 and as well as an RV9A, a two-seat, single-engine aircraft. An instrument-rated pilot, Das flew between his home and Yuma.

Indian-origin cardiologist among two killed in California plane crash

The US Defense Department is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. This year, the Pentagon showcased an officer of Indian origin, the dedicated Army Lt&nbsp;Col&nbsp;Deepa Hariprasad.

Born in Mysore, India, in 1977, Hariprasad shifted to the US with her family when she was three years old. Growing up in a closely-knit family, Hariprasad quickly realised she wanted to help people, and thus chose the profession, said a profile on Pentagon's website.

She received a direct commission into the Army‘s medical branch as an audiologist in 2003. As an audiologist, Hariprasad diagnoses and treats hearing problems. She quickly climbed the ranks through her dedication and hard work and became the first Indian-American to serve as director of the Audiology and Speech Center at Walter Reed.

"The initial appeal was to try something new, serve my country, and have the opportunity to live in different places,"&nbsp;Hariprasad said.

Her objective of joining the department was achieved as this position not only gave her a route to help people but also put her in direct contact with people from different walks of life, who shared their life experiences with her.

<img alt="Army Lt. Col. Deepa Hariprasad " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b984f86-f00a-4672-a806-5b114f14c7f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Deepa%20Hariprasad%20%281%29.jpg" />

"Providing health education to our patients and teaching service members and noise-exposed civilians about hearing loss prevention is the favorite part of my job, because I feel I am making a difference and helping others improve their quality of life. I also enjoy learning about people's experiences and hearing their perspectives," she said.

During her 16 years of service, Hariprasad has been able to groom her personality and step out of her comfort zone by overcoming her shyness.

Serving in leadership positions in the military helped her gain confidence, get better at public speaking and also gave her the confidence and courage to face difficult situations and conversations.

"I grew up with a very different belief system, always worried about what other people would think and I did not have the confidence to try new things or stand up for myself or others. I believe that my positions in the Army and Air Force have helped shape my character and personality for the better," she said.

Currently serving as the Director of the Audiology and Speech Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, Hariprasad is thankful for the learning experiences, skills, and lifelong friendships that have come her way during her time in the military.

Married to Air Force Maj Nkumu B. Mandungu, Hariprasad says the military has helped her realise the importance of physical and mental fitness.

She believes physical fitness directly leads to mental strength. The military has also helped her bring discipline in her life, which has helped her reach heights in her personal and professional life and has also helped her earn several accolades, said the profile on the defence department's website.

The US Defense Department is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. This year, the Pentagon showcased an officer of Indian origin, the dedicated Army Lt Col Deepa Hariprasad.

The US Defense Department is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. This year, the Pentagon showcased an officer of Indian origin, the dedicated Army Lt Col Deepa Hariprasad. Born in Mysore, India, in 1977, Hariprasad shifted to the US with her family when she was three years old. Growing up in a closely-knit family, Hariprasad quickly realised she wanted to help people, and thus chose the profession, said a profile on Pentagon's website. She received a direct commission into the Army‘s medical branch as an audiologist in 2003. As an audiologist, Hariprasad diagnoses and treats hearing problems. She quickly climbed the ranks through her dedication and hard work and became the first Indian-American to serve as director of the Audiology and Speech Center at Walter Reed. "The initial appeal was to try something new, serve my country, and have the opportunity to live in different places," Hariprasad said. Her objective of joining the department was achieved as this position not only gave her a route to help people but also put her in direct contact with people from different walks of life, who shared their life experiences with her. "Providing health education to our patients and teaching service members and noise-exposed civilians about hearing loss prevention is the favorite part of my job, because I feel I am making a difference and helping others improve their quality of life. I also enjoy learning about people's experiences and hearing their perspectives," she said. During her 16 years of service, Hariprasad has been able to groom her personality and step out of her comfort zone by overcoming her shyness. Serving in leadership positions in the military helped her gain confidence, get better at public speaking and also gave her the confidence and courage to face difficult situations and conversations. "I grew up with a very different belief system, always worried about what other people would think and I did not have the confidence to try new things or stand up for myself or others. I believe that my positions in the Army and Air Force have helped shape my character and personality for the better," she said. Currently serving as the Director of the Audiology and Speech Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, Hariprasad is thankful for the learning experiences, skills, and lifelong friendships that have come her way during her time in the military. Married to Air Force Maj Nkumu B. Mandungu, Hariprasad says the military has helped her realise the importance of physical and mental fitness. She believes physical fitness directly leads to mental strength. The military has also helped her bring discipline in her life, which has helped her reach heights in her personal and professional life and has also helped her earn several accolades, said the profile on the defence department's website.

Pentagon celebrates Asians in US defence with story of Indian-American Deepa Hariprasad

A 67-year-old Indian national has conceded before a US court of trying to obtain American citizenship through fraudulent means, the Department of Justice said Monday.

Harpal Singh charged with one count of attempted naturalisation fraud faces up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for August 5.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Singh applied for admission into the country as a tourist in March 1992 at Los Angeles International Airport by presenting an Indian passport that purported to contain an entry visa to the United States.

He was refused admission because the entry visa was deemed fraudulent and he was detained pending exclusion proceedings.

Singh thereafter applied for asylum in the United States and he was released on bond while his asylum claim was evaluated.

In June 1993, an immigration judge in New York denied Singh's asylum application and he was ordered to surrender for deportation. But he failed to appear for his deportation as ordered.

In August 1995, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States and claimed that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in December 1994.

Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum. In March 1996, an immigration judge denied Singh's second asylum application and he was again ordered to surrender for deportation. However, he again failed to appear for his deportation.

Later in May 1996, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States under the identity of 'Surinder Singh,' claiming that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in November 1995.

Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum under his true identity Harpal Singh. The application further claimed that Surinder Singh had been beaten and tortured in India in 1994 despite the fact that Singh had been living in the United States at the time under his true identity.

In June 1996, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service granted Singh's third asylum application in the name of 'Surinder Singh' based on fraudulent information provided by him.

Later in December 2015, Singh filed an Application for Naturalisation with the US Department of Homeland Security under the identity of 'Surinder Singh'. He falsely answered questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others.

In May 2018, Singh appeared in the identity of 'Surinder Singh' before an officer of the Homeland Security in Newark for an interview, which was conducted under oath and video-recorded. Singh was also assisted by counsel and by a Punjabi interpreter.

He falsely answered additional questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others.&nbsp;

A 67-year-old Indian national has conceded before a US court of trying to obtain American citizenship through fraudulent means, the Department of Justice said Monday.

A 67-year-old Indian national has conceded before a US court of trying to obtain American citizenship through fraudulent means, the Department of Justice said Monday. Harpal Singh charged with one count of attempted naturalisation fraud faces up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for August 5. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Singh applied for admission into the country as a tourist in March 1992 at Los Angeles International Airport by presenting an Indian passport that purported to contain an entry visa to the United States. He was refused admission because the entry visa was deemed fraudulent and he was detained pending exclusion proceedings. Singh thereafter applied for asylum in the United States and he was released on bond while his asylum claim was evaluated. In June 1993, an immigration judge in New York denied Singh's asylum application and he was ordered to surrender for deportation. But he failed to appear for his deportation as ordered. In August 1995, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States and claimed that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in December 1994. Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum. In March 1996, an immigration judge denied Singh's second asylum application and he was again ordered to surrender for deportation. However, he again failed to appear for his deportation. Later in May 1996, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States under the identity of 'Surinder Singh,' claiming that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in November 1995. Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum under his true identity Harpal Singh. The application further claimed that Surinder Singh had been beaten and tortured in India in 1994 despite the fact that Singh had been living in the United States at the time under his true identity. In June 1996, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service granted Singh's third asylum application in the name of 'Surinder Singh' based on fraudulent information provided by him. Later in December 2015, Singh filed an Application for Naturalisation with the US Department of Homeland Security under the identity of 'Surinder Singh'. He falsely answered questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others. In May 2018, Singh appeared in the identity of 'Surinder Singh' before an officer of the Homeland Security in Newark for an interview, which was conducted under oath and video-recorded. Singh was also assisted by counsel and by a Punjabi interpreter. He falsely answered additional questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others.

Indian faces 10 years imprisonment for trying to get US citizenship by fraud

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Indian-origin cardiologist among two killed in California plane crash

Pentagon celebrates Asians in US defence with story of Indian-American Deepa Hariprasad

Indian faces 10 years imprisonment for trying to get US citizenship by fraud