San Diego plane crash: what happened and who were the victims

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation after a Cessna S550 Citation S/II crashed into a residential community in San Diego, US. 

According to NTSB investigators at the crash site, the Cessna, registered N666DS, appeared to strike two power lines as it was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF) on May 22, 2025. 

Details surrounding the number of victims remains unclear, but the San Diego Police Department has confirmed that at least two people have died, both apparently on the plane.  

Separately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that there were six people on board the aircraft when it crashed at around 03:45.  

Crews from the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department rushed to the scene after the aircraft crashed into a house on the 3100 block on Salmon Road.  

Six presumed killed when small plane crashes into military homes in Murphy Canyon neighborhood in San Diego pic.twitter.com/LIwKSYRh7G— Nelvin Cepeda (@NelCepeda) May 22, 2025 Local media reported that half a dozen vehicles had been set on fire in an explosion when the aircraft impacted with the ground.  

Two people were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released at the scene, while six more needed medical treatment, according to local police. There were also reports that several houses were damaged in the incident.  

Following the tragedy, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria wrote: “At the site of the plane crash in Murphy Canyon, I saw firsthand the quick, coordinated work of our first responders. Their actions saved lives. My heart is with the families of those aboard the plane. To the residents whose lives have been upended, your city Is here for you.

Where was the Cessna S550 flying from?

The Cessna S550 Citation’s journey began at Teterboro Airport (TEB) on May 21, 2025, at 23:15, when it flew to Wichita Colonel James Jabara Airport (QNO). The aircraft landed shortly before 01:50, refueled and departed at 02:35.  

The NTSB investigation is ongoing, but according to NBC San Diego, the airport was foggy at around the time of the crash. 

Unbelievable moments caught on doorbell cams during the San Diego plane crash. See the raw footage. #PlaneCrash #SanDiego pic.twitter.com/OcgekC5JY2— TapIntoSD (@TapIntoSD) May 23, 2025 Assistant San Diego Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy told the news station that the fog was so bad “you could barely see in front of you”. 

The Aviation Safety Network has said that, during conversations with air traffic control, the pilot considered flying to another airport.  

The website also said that data showed the aircraft descended below the glideslope. 

Who were the victims? 

Among those killed was music agent Dave Shapiro, co-founder of the agency Sound Talent Group. 

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Sound Talent Group. 

According to the BBC, the agency said that, including Shapiro, it lost “three employees in the plane crash”. No other individuals have yet been identified.  

#Breaking A Citation crashed in S. Diego (California, US). So far, 1 fatality confirmed. On approach to Montgomery-Gibbs airport, jet went down in a residential area, with 15 houses and vehicles damaged. Jet Registration “N666DS” was operated by “Daviator LLC” pic.twitter.com/VZqwMn7kEx— Air Safety #OTD by Francisco Cunha (@OnDisasters) May 22, 2025 Several media reports have suggested that Daniel Williams, former drummer of the band The Devil Wears Prada, was also seen boarding the plane.  

On May 22, 2025, The Devil Wears Prada posted a photo of Williams on Instagram and wrote: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.” 

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