Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on Friday that a small plane that crash-landed into a residential area owned by the U.S. Navy in San Diego early Thursday morning hit high-tension power lines during its approach to the airport. This incident resulted in the destruction of more than a dozen homes and vehicles by fire.
The plane involved in the crash was a Cessna 550 Citation business jet. It went down at approximately 3:45 a.m. in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, killing all six individuals on board, as confirmed by Dan Baker, the NTSB’s lead investigator.
Although authorities have yet to officially release the names of the deceased, Fox News Digital has reported that music executive Dave Shapiro and drummer Daniel Williams were among those who lost their lives in the accident.
Authorities work where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Officials said only eight injuries were reported on the ground due to the swift action of military families helping each other escape homes and jump from windows.
About 100 residents were displaced. Liberty Military Housing and the Red Cross are helping residents find accommodations.
NTSB regional investigators, the Federal Aviation Administration, Textron Aviation and Williams International Engines are assisting with the investigation.
Air traffic control and weather specialists from the NTSB are assisting remotely.
