Cessna Jet Crash in San Diego Kills Passengers, Damages Homes
A Cessna business jet crashed into a San Diego residential area early Thursday, May 22, killing everyone on board and leaving several homes damaged by fire. The crash happened near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in Murphy Canyon, where many military families live.
The Cessna Citation II took off from New Jersey and stopped in Kansas to refuel before heading west. Just before 4:00 a.m., while trying to land in foggy conditions, the plane lost control and went down into a row of houses.
The explosion that followed spread fire quickly. Jet fuel leaked across the street, setting several vehicles and buildings ablaze. Residents said the noise and light woke them up in shock.
Emergency responders acted quickly. Firefighters battled the flames while hazmat teams handled the fuel. More than 100 residents were asked to leave their homes, and two nearby schools were closed as a safety measure.
Important details:
- Aircraft: Cessna Citation II (Model 550), used for private and business flights
- Route: Teterboro, NJ, to Wichita, KS, then San Diego, CA
- Time of incident: Around 3:45 a.m. on May 22
- Weather: Fog with low visibility
- Impact: 10 to 15 homes hit or burned, several vehicles destroyed
- Fatalities: All victims were on the jet; no one on the ground died
- Evacuated: At least 100 people
- School closures: Two elementary schools nearby
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said, “With the jet fuel, the fires, and the damage to homes, it was a devastating scene.”
Local resident Christopher Moore shared, “There was a flash outside my window, and then everything lit up.”
Officials haven’t said how many people were flying, but they’ve confirmed multiple deaths. The FAA and the NTSB have taken over the investigation and will study all factors involved, including flight logs, communication with air traffic control, and possible obstacles.
The area remains blocked off while cleanup continues. Families affected by the crash are getting temporary help as the city works through recovery.
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