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Cessna 550 Crash in San Diego Kills Multiple, Ignites Fires in 15 Homes

Dense fog contributed to the private jet's crash near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, sparing ground casualties but leaving a massive debris field.

Authorities work the scene 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)
Investigators look through the site where a small plane crashed  into San Diego, California, residential street on May 22, 2025. The Federal Aviation Authority said a Cessna 550 crashed at around 3:45 am local time. The neighborhood is close to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The crash left a "gigantic debris field" and damaged some 15 homes and parked cars, ABC News quoted the San Diego assistant fire chief as saying. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / AFP)
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Debris covers the ground after a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood earlier, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Overview

  • The crash occurred at approximately 3:47 a.m. local time in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, a densely populated military housing area.
  • Officials have confirmed multiple fatalities among those aboard the Cessna 550, though the exact number of passengers remains unknown.
  • The crash ignited fires in at least 15 homes and multiple vehicles, with jet fuel spreading extensively across the area.
  • Evacuations are in effect for Salmon, Sample, and Sculpin streets, and emergency crews are continuing to search for debris and extinguish fires.
  • The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the crash, with dense fog and low visibility reported as significant factors.