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)
A private jet carrying six people, including a well-known music talent agent, crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning. The jet struck a power line in heavy fog before slamming into a residential home. The crash caused a massive explosion, killing all onboard and sparking fires that tore through the quiet Navy-owned housing community.
San Diego Neighborhood engulfed in flames as private jet crashes in dense fog
Just before 4 a.m., residents were jolted awake by a thunderous boom. Flames shot skyward. Jet fuel streamed down streets. Vehicles ignited one by one. Homes shook. The blaze lit up Murphy Canyon, the largest Navy-owned housing community in the country.
“It was horrific,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “Jet fuel was flowing down the street. Everything was on fire.”
Though no residents were killed, eight people were hospitalized for injuries and smoke inhalation. One was hurt climbing out a window to escape the flames.
Music World Mourns Dave Shapiro
Among the dead was Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group and owner of Velocity Records. His agency represented well-known artists like Sum 41, Hanson, and Vanessa Carlton. Two of his employees also perished.
“We are devastated,” said Sound Talent Group in a statement. “Our hearts are with their families.”
STG founders Dave Shapiro, Matt Andersen and Tim Borror. Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, was also onboard. He had posted on Instagram just hours earlier about the flight. The band later posted a heartfelt tribute: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
A Narrow Escape for Residents
Ben McCarty and his wife were inside the home the plane struck. He recalled waking up to flames and chaos.
“The roof was gone. Fire was everywhere,” he said. “We grabbed the kids and ran.”
The couple, their children, and dogs escaped with help from neighbors. Their vehicles were destroyed. One ended up inside their living room. The surrounding homes sustained serious damage. Cars melted to their frames. One vehicle burned for hours.
Nearby resident Ariya Waterworth also escaped with her children and dog. “I heard a whoosh and saw a fireball,” she said. Her yard was littered with debris and her car destroyed. “We’re blessed to be alive.”
At least 100 residents were evacuated. The smell of jet fuel lingered all day. Salmon Street, coated in fuel, remained unsafe for return.
Investigators on the Scene
Officials confirmed the jet was a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation. It had departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and stopped in Wichita for refueling before heading to San Diego.
It was attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it struck power lines just two miles from the runway. The pilot had reported being on final approach minutes before the crash.
Weather conditions were poor. Fog limited visibility, forcing the pilot to rely on instruments until the final 673 feet. At that point, a visual was necessary. Aviation experts say the pilot may have lost sight of the runway and failed to abort the landing.
Another San Diego Plane Tragedy
San Diego has seen deadly aviation incidents before. In 2021, a small plane crashed into a suburb, killing two. In 2008, a Marine fighter jet hit a home, killing four. Thursday’s crash now adds to the city’s painful aviation history.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Authorities continue to search for clues amid the wreckage, seeking answers to prevent another tragedy.
