A devastating San Diego plane crash occurred in the early hours of May 22, 2025, when a Cessna 550 Citation II crashed into the Tierrasanta neighborhood, resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage. The aircraft was on approach to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport amid heavy fog when it went down around 3:45 a.m., igniting fires in at least 15 homes and damaging several vehicles.
San Diego Plane Crash: Incident Overview
The Cessna 550, a twin-engine business jet capable of carrying 6–8 passengers, had departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on the night of May 21, making a stop in Wichita, Kansas, before proceeding to San Diego. As it approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, the aircraft encountered dense fog with visibility reduced to approximately half a mile. While attempting to land on runway 28, the plane clipped a house in the Tierrasanta neighborhood before crashing into the Murphy Canyon area, a residential zone predominantly housing military personnel.
Casualties and Property Damage
All known fatalities were occupants of the aircraft; the exact number of individuals on board has not been confirmed. Remarkably, there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries among residents on the ground. However, the crash caused significant destruction: fires engulfed at least 15 homes, and numerous vehicles were damaged or destroyed. Jet fuel spread across the area, creating a hazardous environment and complicating firefighting efforts following the San Diego plane crash. Approximately 100 residents were displaced due to the incident.
Emergency Response
San Diego Fire-Rescue Division Chief Dan Eddy reported that emergency crews responded promptly, conducting house-to-house searches for survivors and extinguishing fires. By 7:37 a.m., all but one of the fires had been brought under control. Evacuations were carried out in the affected areas, including streets such as Salmon, Sample, and Sculpin. Temporary shelters were established at local schools to accommodate displaced residents.
Investigation and Possible Causes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the San Diego plane crash. Preliminary data indicates that weather conditions, particularly the dense fog and low visibility, may have played a significant role in the accident. The possibility that the aircraft struck a power line before crashing is also being considered.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation II, built in 1985 and registered to a company in Alaska. The Cessna 550 is primarily used for business travel and is known for its reliability and performance.
Community Impact and Support
The San Diego plane crash has had a profound impact on the Tierrasanta and Murphy Canyon communities. Local authorities and organizations have mobilized to provide support to affected residents, including temporary housing, counseling services, and assistance with basic needs. Two nearby elementary schools were closed as a precaution, and the public was advised to avoid the area during the ongoing investigation and cleanup efforts.
Historical Context
This incident is reminiscent of a similar crash that occurred in October 2021 in a nearby San Diego suburb, where a small plane crashed into a residential area, causing fatalities and property damage. Such incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and protocols, especially in areas with challenging weather conditions and dense residential populations.
Conclusion on the San Diego Plane Crash
The San Diego plane crash involving a Cessna 550 Citation II is a tragic event that has resulted in loss of life and significant disruption to the local community. As investigations continue, authorities aim to determine the exact causes of the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future. The resilience and support demonstrated by emergency responders and community members highlight the strength of the San Diego community in the face of adversity.
Reference Links
- The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/us/san-diego-plane-crash-tierrasanta.html
- The Wall Street Journal
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/san-diego-plane-crash-cessna-550-bfd99826 - People Magazine
https://people.com/small-plane-crashes-into-california-neighborhood-igniting-fires-in-homes-11739985
