News Summary
A tragic plane crash involving a Cessna 550 occurred in San Diego, resulting in the deaths of six individuals known for their contributions to the music and arts industry. The crash happened in Murphy Canyon, leading to investigations focusing on foggy weather and technical issues at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. In addition to the fatalities, several people on the ground were injured, prompting evacuations. The investigation, which will be aided by the NTSB and FAA, is expected to uncover further details over time.
San Diego – A tragic plane crash involving a Cessna 550 occurred early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board. The crash, which took place in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, approximately two miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, has led investigators to examine the impact of foggy weather conditions and technical issues at the airport.
The victims have been identified as prominent figures in the music and arts industry, including Dave Shapiro, a respected music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group; Daniel Williams, the former drummer of the band The Devil Wears Prada; Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke, both booking assistants at Sound Talent Group; Celina Kenyon, a professional photographer; and Dominic Damian, a software engineer. The community is mourning the loss of these individuals, who were known for their contributions to their respective fields.
The accident happened around 3:45 AM local time (10:45 GMT) when the aircraft struck high-tension power lines before crashing into nearby homes, igniting multiple structures and vehicles. There were eight individuals on the ground who sustained injuries, with one person requiring hospitalization. Additionally, about 100 people were evacuated from the affected area due to the fire damage.
At the time of the crash, conditions at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport were compromised; the Automated Surface Observing Station was non-operational due to a power surge, and a lighting issue was reported on one of the runways. Furthermore, the pilot did not communicate any emergency situations to air traffic control and was attempting to land on the runway experiencing lighting problems when the incident occurred.
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected within 30 days, while a final report may take between 12 to 24 months to complete. The lack of a flight data recorder on the plane is a significant limitation for investigators, as it restricts the available data to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Upon arrival at the crash site, which San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described as “pretty horrific,” recovery operations commenced immediately, with NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials involved in assessing the wreckage. The extent of the damage was significant, with a “gigantic debris field” reported in the vicinity.
Shapiro was not only a skilled music industry professional but also an experienced pilot and flight instructor with 15 years of flying experience. The flight took off from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a planned stop in Wichita, Kansas. In the hours leading up to the crash, Daniel Williams shared photos on Instagram from the cockpit, highlighting the excitement of the journey.
Family members and friends of the victims have begun to release statements expressing their sorrow and honoring the deceased, emphasizing their personal qualities and achievements within the industry. The impact of this loss is being felt throughout the community, particularly in the music world where Shapiro and Williams left a lasting legacy.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with aviation, particularly under adverse weather conditions. As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge, shedding light on the tragic events leading to this devastating crash.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: San Diego
- Washington Post
- Google Search: San Diego plane crash
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- CNN
- Google News: San Diego plane crash
- Fox News
- New York Post
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
