A Cessna 550 Citation II business jet has crashed into San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood, leaving at least two dead.
The light jet crashed in a military housing area near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport on 22 May. The tragic accident occurred around 3:45 a.m. during dense fog, which may have played a role.
The aircraft, en route from Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, struck the residential area, sparking a massive fireball. This disaster left a trail of destruction, claiming at least two lives and displacing residents.
San Diego Crash: At Least 2 Dead
The crash killed at least two people on board, with some unconfirmed reports suggesting up to seven fatalities. The jet’s capacity is 6–8 passengers plus two pilots, but the exact number aboard remains unconfirmed.
Eight people on the ground suffered injuries, mostly minor, like smoke inhalation. One person was hospitalized. The San Diego Police Department confirmed “Approx. 100 residents evacuated after aircraft crash near Sculpin St & Santo Rd. At least 2 confirmed dead, 8 injured.”
Now confirmed dead are music talent agent Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada. Williams had shared a photo at the plane’s controls, though it is unclear if he was the pilot flying at the time. In his last social media postings, Williams shared photos of himself at the controls saying “Here we goooooo” and “Hey. Hey…you…look at me…I’m the co-pilot now.”
The impact was catastrophic. The jet clipped a power line, igniting jet fuel that spilled across streets. This fueled fires that damaged 10–15 homes and multiple vehicles.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department labeled it a HAZMAT incident due to the hazardous fuel leakage. Over 100 residents from streets like Salmon, Sample, and Sculpin were evacuated. Authorities warned against touching debris or fuel, urging residents to contact emergency services if they encountered either.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene “horrific,” with video footage showing flames and thick smoke engulfing the area. Debris littered the neighborhood, complicating rescue efforts.
FAA Statement
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft, a Cessna Citation S/II registered N666DS, was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The aircraft is privately owned by Daviator LLC.
Early theories point to the dense fog or a power line strike as possible causes. The Cessna Citation II is known for reliability, making the crash’s cause a pressing question.
Residents are understandably reeling from the shock. The community, home to many military families, now faces recovery amid significant property damage.
The investigation will likely focus on weather conditions, pilot error, or mechanical issues. For now, Murphy Canyon mourns, and San Diego rallies to support those affected by this devastating tragedy.
