Aircraft accident in San Diego, California: Two fatalities reported - Aircraft disaster leaves two fatalities in San Diego, California
In San Diego, California, a tragic small plane crash occurred on May 22, 2025, at approximately 3:45 a.m., as a Cessna 550 (also known as a Citation 550/II) approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in the Murphy Canyon region.
The aircraft initially made contact with powerlines before impacting residential areas, causing considerable damage to at least ten homes (one of which was completely destroyed) and the loss of six vehicles, with several cars also set ablaze.
Authorities have confirmed the death of all six individuals aboard the plane, with no survivors reported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). However, remarkably, there were no fatalities on the ground, despite five residents being hospitalized for smoke inhalation, one for injuries sustained while evacuating, and two others receiving treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
Over 100 residents were evacuated from the area, and a temporary evacuation site was established at Miller Elementary School. The crash site drew a significant response from law enforcement and emergency services, with HAZMAT teams dispatched due to jet fuel contamination. All but one of the fires were extinguished by 7:37 a.m. on the day of the incident.
The ongoing investigation by the NTSB is focusing on the circumstances of the plane's approach, weather conditions (including thick fog and low visibility), and the absence of a mayday call – the only recorded transmission being the pilot's final approach radio signal prior to the crash.
Residents of the affected neighborhood shared harrowing accounts of the incident, some initially mistaking it for an earthquake or a large explosion. The community's response highlighted acts of courage, such as neighbors assisting each other in escaping burning homes.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with air travel and the importance of proper safety regulations and emergency response protocols. The investigation into the crash continues.
- Despite the tragic fatalities in a small plane crash in San Diego on May 22, 2025, remarkably, there were no ground fatalities, showing the resilience of the emergency response system in such situations.
- General news coverage of the San Diego plane crash discussed the circumstances of the plane's approach and weather conditions, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent car-accidents and other disasters.
- As the NTSB investigates the San Diego plane crash, focus is being placed on the absence of a mayday call, adding to the discussion on the importance of effective communication among pilots in crime-and-justice situations.
- While the tragic San Diego plane crash dominated the headlines of general-news outlets, European football leagues, such as LaLiga, continued their tournament schedules, providing a distraction for those seeking updates outside of air-related accidents.
