Tragic Jet Crash in San Diego: Music Talent Agent Among the Victims

A private jet crashed in a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday, killing the music talent agent Dave Shapiro and five others on board. The crash happened around 4 a.m. in thick fog, when the plane hit a power line before slamming into a home and causing widespread destruction.

Residents were jolted awake by the loud crash and the subsequent explosions. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as “horrific,” with flames engulfing the area and jet fuel spilling down the streets.

Fortunately, no one on the ground was killed, though eight people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries. This included a person who was injured trying to escape through a window.

Shapiro, the co-founder of Sound Talent Group, represented notable artists like Hanson and Vanessa Carlton. The agency expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Shapiro and his colleagues in their statement.

The jet, a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation, had six people aboard. Recovery efforts were underway as emergency services searched for bodies among the wreckage. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that plane parts scattered widely across the area, including a section of its wing.

Residents faced terrifying moments. Ben McCarty, whose home was hit, said that he and his family had to escape through the back as flames blocked their exit. “It put my truck into our living room,” he recalled. Many vehicles on the street were charred beyond recognition.

Ariya Waterworth described hearing a loud whoosh before seeing a fireball outside. She was relieved to get her family out safely amid the chaos.

Authorities evacuated over 100 residents from the area, where the smell of jet fuel lingered long after the crash. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy noted the fog was thick, making visibility extremely poor at the time of the incident.

The flight originated from Teterboro, New Jersey, and made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to San Diego. Based on the flight path, it was attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when the accident occurred, just a couple of miles from the airfield.

Experts like aviation attorney Barry Newman pointed out that pilots often use instrument flight rules in such conditions. Once an aircraft descends to a certain altitude, however, the pilot must rely on visibility to safely land. “If you can’t see the runway, you must divert,” he explained.

San Diego has experienced similar tragic events before. In 2021, a plane crash in a nearby suburb killed a pilot and another driver. In 2008, a military jet crashed into a home, resulting in multiple fatalities and raising concerns about air safety in populated areas.

As investigations continue, the local community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. The bond between residents has grown stronger, showcasing their resilience in the face of disaster.



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