A tragic event struck the city of San Diego in the early hours of May 22, 2025, when a Cessna 550 private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. The crash caused multiple fatalities onboard and significant damage to residential homes, marking it as one of the most serious aviation accidents in San Diego in recent years.
Plane Crash Today in San Diego: What Happened?
Around 3:45 AM local time, a Cessna 550 Citation II jet was making its final approach to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it crashed into a row of homes in the Murphy Canyon area. The aircraft had departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a stopover in Wichita, Kansas.
Key Incident Details:
- Date: May 22, 2025
- Aircraft: Cessna 550 Citation II
- Location: Murphy Canyon, San Diego, CA
- Fatalities: Multiple passengers (exact number not confirmed)
- Ground Injuries: None reported
- Weather: Heavy fog, poor visibility
- Destination: Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport
Preliminary investigations suggest the plane may have struck a utility pole before crashing, possibly due to limited visibility caused by dense fog in the area.
What to Know About the San Diego Plane Crash – May 22, 2025
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Plane Model | Cessna 550 Citation II |
| Crash Site | Murphy Canyon, near Tierrasanta |
| Total Fatalities | Multiple (crew and passengers) |
| Ground Injuries | None reported |
| Cause | Under investigation |
| Agencies Involved | NTSB, FAA, Local Police & Fire Dept |
Impact on the Murphy Canyon Community
The crash caused massive fires, damaging or destroying at least 15 homes and several vehicles. Emergency services arrived quickly, working through challenging conditions to rescue residents and extinguish flames. Thanks to their efforts, no fatalities or injuries were reported among residents on the ground.
Residents described hearing a loud explosion followed by flames and debris raining down. Some were evacuated to nearby emergency shelters set up by the city of San Diego.
Cessna 550 Crash Under FAA and NTSB Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the crash. Early reports indicate that fog and possible pilot navigation issues may have contributed to the accident.
The Cessna 550 is a twin-engine business jet known for its range and reliability, but weather and landing conditions are now being carefully reviewed as part of the official probe.
Timeline of the San Diego Jet Crash
- 3:45 AM: Jet crashes into residential area
- 4:00 AM: First responders arrive at the scene
- 4:30 AM: Fire crews contain the flames
- 6:00 AM: FAA confirms aircraft type and investigation begins
- Morning: Evacuation centers opened for displaced residents
Local and Federal Response
San Diego’s mayor issued a statement expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families and thanking first responders for their quick and courageous action. Local authorities are working with federal agencies to secure the site, gather evidence, and offer support to affected families.
Power and gas lines in the area were temporarily shut down as a precaution, and utility crews are now working to restore services.