A private jet crashed into a military housing community in San Diego early Thursday, killing at least three people and sparking fires that damaged at least 10 homes and dozens of vehicles. Three additional people on board are missing and feared dead.
The 1985 Cessna 550 Citation hit power lines in dense fog around 3:47 a.m. before slamming into a house in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, according to federal investigators.
The crash injured at least eight other people, including some who suffered smoke inhalation and cuts while escaping through windows. Emergency crews evacuated more than 100 residents.
Who were the victims on board?
The crash killed several members of the music industry, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada. The agency confirmed two other employees were also among the dead. Shapiro was listed as the registered agent for the plane’s owner, Daviator, based in Alaska, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” Sound Talent Group said.
Where was the plane coming from?
The jet took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on Wednesday night, stopped for fuel in Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego when it crashed. According to the LA Times, LiveATC.net audio captured the pilot reporting he was three miles out.
No distress call was made. Investigators believe the plane hit power lines about two miles from the runway.
What caused the crash?
The exact cause is under investigation. Officials say the jet was flying in heavy fog and may have encountered visibility issues during descent. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the probe, with support from the FAA. Investigators are looking at weather, pilot fatigue and navigational choices.
How has the community responded?
Neighbors described the explosion as sounding like an earthquake, with flames racing down the street. Several military families escaped by climbing over fences or through windows. The city opened an evacuation center at Hancock Elementary School. It remains unclear when residents can return home.
