In the early hours of May 22, 2025, San Diego Plane Crash, a Cessna 550 business jet tragically crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, California. The accident resulted in multiple fatalities among those on board and caused significant damage to the residential area.(The Times, AP News)
Incident Overview
- Date: May 22, 2025
- Time: Approximately 3:45 AM PDT
- Location: Murphy Canyon, near Tierrasanta, San Diego
- Aircraft: Cessna 550 Citation II
- Flight Path: Departed from Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, with a stopover in Wichita, Kansas; en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, San Diego(Wikipedia)
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport amid dense fog when it crashed into the residential area. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. (AP News)
Impact on the Community
The crash resulted in fires that engulfed approximately 15 homes and several vehicles. Emergency services responded promptly, evacuating residents and containing the fires. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as a “gigantic debris field,” emphasizing the extensive damage caused by the crash. (AP News, New York Post, The Times)
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported among residents on the ground. However, multiple fatalities occurred among those on board the aircraft. The exact number of passengers and crew members has not been confirmed. (The Guardian, AP News)
Weather Conditions
At the time of the crash, the area was experiencing dense fog, with visibility dropping to approximately 0.5 miles. These conditions may have contributed to the pilot’s difficulty in navigating the approach to the airport. (FOX Weather, WSJ)
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Emergency crews, including firefighters and police, conducted door-to-door searches to ensure all residents were evacuated safely. A temporary evacuation center was established at Miller Elementary School to assist displaced residents. (WSJ, Wikipedia)
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
The FAA and NTSB are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft may have struck a pole, losing a portion of its wing before crashing into the neighborhood. (The Guardian, FOX Weather)
Residents are advised to avoid the crash site to allow emergency crews to continue their work safely. Authorities are also requesting that individuals report any debris or jet fuel odors in the area. (The Guardian, WSJ)
Conclusion
This tragic incident has deeply affected the San Diego community, particularly the residents of the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. As investigations continue, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.(NBC 7 San Diego)
For live updates and more information, you can watch the following news coverage:
LIVESTREAM: Plane crashes in California neighborhood