Tragic Cessna 550 Crash in San Diego: 6 Presumed Dead After Private Jet Hits Neighborhood

Tragic Cessna 550 Crash in San Diego: 6 Presumed Dead After Private Jet Hits Neighborhood

Posted on May 23, 2025, by BigEntertainmentNews

A devastating tragedy struck San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, when a Cessna 550 private jet crashed, leaving six people on board presumed dead. The incident, which occurred just before 4 a.m. on Salmon Street, has shocked the local community and drawn national attention as authorities investigate the cause of this catastrophic plane crash. Here, we recap the details of the San Diego plane crash, the ongoing NTSB investigation, and the impact on the neighborhood near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

The Crash: A Cessna 550 Plummets into Murphy Canyon

The Cessna 550, a business jet commonly known as a Citation II, was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it encountered trouble during its final approach. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. local time, just two miles southeast of the airport. The jet, which had originated in Teterboro, New Jersey, and made a refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, was navigating dense fog when it clipped a power line, leading to a catastrophic collision with a home in the military housing community of Murphy Canyon.

The impact was catastrophic. The plane struck at least one house, causing it to catch fire and partially collapse. Jet fuel from the crash ignited, setting approximately 15 homes and numerous vehicles ablaze. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department reported that the flames and debris affected at least 10 homes, with some describing the scene as a “huge fireball” that lit up the quiet, tree-lined street. Despite the widespread destruction, no fatalities were reported on the ground, though eight people sustained injuries, ranging from minor to those requiring medical attention.

Victims of the Crash: A Music Industry Loss

The FAA confirmed that six people were on board the Cessna 550 at the time of the crash, and all are presumed dead. Among the victims were notable figures from the music industry, including music agent Dave Shapiro, who reportedly owned the aircraft and held a pilot’s license, and Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the band The Devil Wears Prada. Shapiro’s team confirmed his passing to Billboard, while Williams had posted Instagram stories hours before the crash, showing himself in the co-pilot seat next to Shapiro. The loss of these individuals has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with tributes pouring in for their contributions to music.

The identities of the other four passengers have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin. The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of these individuals and reflecting on the fragility of life.

NTSB Investigation: What Caused the Crash?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the Cessna 550 crash, with support from the FAA. Early reports indicate that the jet was attempting to land in dense fog, a factor that may have contributed to the accident. According to air traffic control audio obtained by LiveATC.net, the pilot inquired about weather conditions at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, only to be informed that the airport’s automated weather system was down. The pilot, believed to be Shapiro, expressed intent to proceed with the landing despite the challenging conditions.

NTSB investigator Elliott Simpson noted that the plane clipped a power line before crashing, which likely caused it to lose control and plummet into the neighborhood. The agency is currently analyzing the wreckage, with plans to relocate the debris to a secure facility for further examination. A preliminary report is expected to be released on the NTSB website within two weeks, while a comprehensive final report could take 12 to 18 months to complete.

The fact that the air traffic control tower at Montgomery-Gibbs was closed at the time of the crash—standard for smaller airports during overnight hours—has raised questions about the role of visibility and communication in the incident. CNN aviation safety analyst David Soucie emphasized that the Cessna Citation is considered one of the most reliable aircraft, making this crash particularly concerning.

Impact on the San Diego Community

The Murphy Canyon neighborhood, home to many military families, was shaken by the crash. The San Diego Police Department evacuated approximately 100 residents as flames spread through the area. Jet fuel spilled down Salmon Street, exacerbating the fires and creating a hazardous environment. Assistant Chief Dan Eddy of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department described the fog as so thick that visibility was severely limited, complicating early response efforts.

Despite the chaos, the community came together in the face of tragedy. Military families assisted one another in evacuating homes, and firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires. Local reporter Shelby Bremer of NBC7 has been covering the aftermath, providing updates on the ground as residents grapple with the destruction of homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. The fact that no one on the ground was killed is a small miracle given the scale of the crash.

What’s Next: A Community and Industry in Mourning

As the investigation continues, questions remain about what led to this tragic plane crash in San Diego. Was it solely the result of adverse weather conditions, or were there mechanical or human factors at play? The NTSB’s findings will be critical in providing answers to the families of the victims and the residents of Murphy Canyon.

For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected. The music industry is mourning the loss of Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and the other passengers, while the San Diego community rallies to rebuild. BigEntertainmentNews will continue to follow this story, providing updates as new information emerges from the NTSB and local authorities.

If you or someone you know was impacted by this tragedy, we encourage you to share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below. Stay tuned to BigEntertainmentNews.com for the latest developments on this heartbreaking story.