Tragedy Strikes: Small Plane Crash Claims Six Lives in Murphy Canyon Neighborhood

A small plane crashed in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego early Thursday morning, May 22, 2025. The plane, a Cessna 550, went down around 3:45 a.m. in thick fog, reportedly killing all six people onboard. Eight more were injured on the ground, with several homes and cars damaged as the aircraft crashed into military housing.

The plane struck a power line before crashing just two miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found debris scattered over a large area, with a wing located in the street. While officials are still identifying the deceased, reports indicate the aircraft was registered to an Alaska music agent, Dave Shapiro, who was believed to be aboard.

By mid-day, San Diego authorities confirmed two fatalities and were still assessing the scene. Eight nearby residents were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, while about 100 people were evacuated to Miller Elementary School and other nearby locations.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos that erupted once the plane crashed. Gilbert Gonzalez, who lived just a few houses down, told of how he rushed outside to see flames spreading across the street. “It is unreal,” he said, reflecting on how frequent planes fly over the neighborhood.

San Diego Police quickly dispatched around 50 officers to the scene. Police Chief Scott Wahl commented on the horror, saying, “The jet fuel going down the street and everything on fire… was pretty horrific.”

Residents expressed their concern, with many offering aid to those affected. Local volunteers began bringing water and food to assist families displaced by the crash. Philip Rizzo, CEO of Liberty Military Housing, estimated that around 40 to 50 families would need support due to the ongoing investigation.

The weather that morning contributed to the tragedy. Visibility was severely limited, with officials noting conditions were down to half a mile. The pilot had requested weather updates as he approached the airport; however, the reports were lacking crucial information.

This incident draws stark parallels to similar crashes in the area. In December 2021, a medical transport jet went down under poor weather conditions, killing the pilot and passengers but sparing those on the ground.

As the investigation continues, community efforts are being mobilized for those impacted. The San Diego Humane Society also stepped in to help evacuate pets affected by the chaos, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of the local population amidst tragedy.

For more about aviation safety and accident reports, you can visit the FAA for detailed insights and updates.

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