SAN DIEGO — A private plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning, resulting in multiple fatalities on board, according to authorities. The incident occurred amid poor visibility due to fog, prompting concerns about the plane’s flight conditions.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy confirmed during a news briefing that investigators will explore whether the aircraft struck a power line before hitting the ground. Fortunately, no occupants on the ground were reported injured, although significant property damage ensued.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation II, had been traveling from Wichita, Kansas, and was scheduled to land at the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:47 a.m. Local officials have not disclosed the exact number of people who were onboard the aircraft, which typically accommodates between eight and ten passengers.
When the plane crashed, it ignited a fire that spread rapidly, affecting around 15 homes in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. “We have jet fuel everywhere,” Eddy stated, underscoring the challenge of evacuating residents and searching for survivors amidst the destruction.
The scene of the crash revealed extensive damage. One home had its roof collapsed, while charred vehicles lined the street, further illustrating the impact of the crash. Debris, including fragments of metal and tree limbs, was scattered across the area, and black smoke billowed into the sky as firefighters battled the flames.
Residents reported being jolted from sleep by the sound of the crash. Christopher Moore, a local homeowner, recounted seeing smoke and flames as he evacuated with his family. “It was definitely horrifying for sure. You’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety,” he said.
Rescue efforts included saving three puppies from a home near the crash site, illustrating the chaos as people fled the area. Groups of residents gathered in nearby parking lots, wearing pajamas and anxiously awaiting updates on when they might be allowed to return to their homes.
The vicinity is known for its high concentration of military personnel, as well as its proximity to multiple airports, including Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Given the challenging weather conditions at the time of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that visibility was minimal, complicating the incident further.
The FAA is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will spearhead the investigation into the causes of the crash. This is the second aviation incident in recent years to impact the community: in 2021, a twin-engine plane crash resulted in fatalities and significant property damage, highlighting ongoing safety concerns related to air traffic in the area.