News Summary
A private jet tragedy occurred early Thursday morning when a Cessna 550 Citation crash-landed in a military housing neighborhood in San Diego, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals aboard, including a notable talent agency co-founder. The crash caused extensive damage to homes and triggered a massive fire, leading to the evacuation of nearly 100 residents. Firefighters faced challenges extinguishing the flames fueled by jet fuel, leaving a community in shock as investigations into the incident begin.
San Diego – A private jet tragedy unfolded early Thursday morning, May 22, 2025, when a Cessna 550 Citation crash-landed in a military housing neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals aboard, including Dave Shapiro, a notable co-founder of Sound Talent Group. The incident occurred at approximately 3:47 a.m. under foggy weather conditions, severely limiting visibility.
The jet took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a scheduled refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before intending to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The flight’s journey took a devastating turn when the aircraft struck power lines prior to crashing into a residential property in the Murphy Canyon area of the city.
The impact of the crash triggered a massive blaze that rapidly spread, engulfing several homes and vehicles. The explosion jolted residents awake, many of whom reported hearing a loud boom as flames erupted. Damages were extensive, as at least ten homes were severely affected, with one being completely destroyed. Many vehicles in the vicinity were melted or scorched beyond recognition.
As a result of the catastrophic event, approximately 100 residents were evacuated from the area, with Hancock Elementary School designated as an evacuation center. Eight individuals from the neighborhood received treatment for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, including one person who was hospitalized after escaping through a window.
Local firefighters faced an uphill battle as they worked to extinguish the flames, which were further fueled by jet fuel that ignited and flowed down the streets. The San Diego Police Chief described the scene as “horrific,” noting the “gigantic debris field” left in the aftermath of the crash. Parts of the aircraft littered the crash site, some caught underneath power lines and scattered along adjacent roads.
Witnesses described the chaos during the incident, indicating a community that banded together in the face of disaster. Many residents assisted neighbors during the evacuation process, and some were able to rescue pets, including three husky puppies, trapped in the affected homes.
Investigating authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have commenced inquiries into the crash. As of now, the cause of the incident has not been determined.
The community response has been notable, with City Councilmember Raul Campillo recognizing the efforts of military families who supported one another during the emergency situation. The tragic crash mirrors a previous incident that occurred in October 2021, when a twin-engine aircraft crashed in another San Diego neighborhood, resulting in fatalities among the pilot and a UPS driver.
As the community grapples with the loss of the individuals on board the aircraft, residents have voiced sentiments of gratitude for their own survival amidst the harrowing circumstances. Mourning the tragic loss while reflecting on their own safety, they have expressed a deep sense of connection during this overwhelming time.
In the wake of this disaster, the city continues to deal with the ramifications of the crash, as both local authorities and federal investigative bodies work diligently to provide clarity regarding the incident and support to those affected.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: San Diego
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Plane Crash San Diego
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Small Plane Crash Investigation
- 10 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation Safety
- KIRO 7 News
- Google News: San Diego Plane Crash
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.
