Sun May 25 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## San Diego Plane Crash Kills Six, Injures Eight in Residential Neighborhood
**San Diego, CA** – A Cessna 550 business jet crashed in a quiet San Diego neighborhood late Thursday night, killing all six people on board and injuring eight residents. The crash ignited a series of fires that engulfed homes and cars, sending residents fleeing in panic.
The plane, which had departed from New Jersey and made a fuel stop in Kansas, crashed after the pilot, despite being informed of poor weather conditions at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, decided to “give it a go” with landing. Air traffic control audio reveals the pilot was aware of limited visibility and low cloud cover, exacerbated by an inoperable automated weather system at the airport.
Investigators are looking into why the plane was flying at a lower altitude than permitted during the approach, as its last recorded altitude was at 500 feet while the limit was 673 feet.
“I can’t quite put words to describe what this scene looked like but with the jet fuel running down the streets and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see,” said Police Chief Scott Wahl.
The impact and subsequent fires caused widespread damage, stretching for a quarter mile down the residential street. Several cars were engulfed in flames, and homes were either struck directly or damaged by the ensuing fire. First responders raced against encroaching flames to evacuate residents, many of whom were awakened by the thunderous explosion. Neighbors helped each other escape, pulling children over fences and assisting in the evacuation of burning homes.
“My whole front area was on fire. We were trapped in our home and couldn’t get out,” said one resident.
Authorities have identified the victims on board as David Shapiro, co-founder of music agency Sound Talent Group; Emma Huke and Kendall Fortner, both employees of Sound Talent Group; Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada; Celina Kenyon, a professional photographer and mother; and Dominic Damian.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. A preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while a final report can be expected in approximately one to two years. Investigators will be looking at the two systems that were out of service at the time of the crash; the automated weather reporting system and a lighting system for the runway. The plane was not equipped with a flight data recorder.
“It’s tragic to see (the wreckage) … whether you’re involved or not, just normal citizens that are here, they’re going to remember this the rest of their lives,” said Eddy, the assistant fire chief.
First Piper 