A Cessna 550 private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, California, early Thursday morning, May 22, igniting fires in at least 15 homes and resulting in multiple fatalities among the aircraft’s occupants. The plane crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Authorities report that no residents required medical transport.
The aircraft, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was attempting to land in dense fog when it went down. The impact created a vast debris field and widespread jet fuel contamination, complicating firefighting efforts. Deputy Fire Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as a “gigantic debris field” with jet fuel “all over.” The plane crash ignited fires that engulfed multiple homes and vehicles, leading to the evacuation of over 100 residents.
The affected area is predominantly inhabited by military service members. Streets including Salmon, Sample, and Sculpin were evacuated as a precaution. Despite the widespread damage, there have been no serious injuries reported among residents. Fatalities appear to be limited to those aboard the aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. Authorities are examining whether the aircraft struck a power line, which may have intensified the fire. Emergency teams, including drones, are conducting thorough searches of the area for any remaining residents and aircraft debris.
This incident echoes a similar fatal crash in San Diego in 2021. Emergency response teams are continuing to secure the area and ensure the safety of remaining residents.
