Private Jet Crashes Into San Diego Neighborhood, Killing Two and Injuring Several

A quiet Thursday morning turned into a nightmare for a San Diego community after a private jet crashed into a residential area, igniting fires and leaving a trail of destruction. The incident occurred around 4:00 AM CT on May 22, claiming the lives of at least two people, injuring eight more, and severely damaging at least 15 homes.

🔥 Chaos Unfolds: Jet Fuel, Fires, and Urgent Rescues

San Diego Fire Chief Dan Eddy painted a dire picture during a press briefing held at 9:00 AM. He described the scene as a “gigantic debris field,” emphasizing the urgent need to search the area for survivors:

“There’s jet fuel everywhere. Right now, our top priority is getting everyone out of these homes safely.”

Emergency teams rushed to evacuate residents as fire crews battled multiple blazes sparked by the crash. Two local schools and a major roadway were shut down as a precaution, while the typically peaceful Murphy Canyon neighborhood—home to numerous military families—was left shaken.

✈️ What We Know About the Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Cessna 550, a small corporate jet typically accommodating six to eight passengers. According to officials, the jet encountered extremely low visibility due to heavy fog shortly before the crash. Chief Eddy added, “Visibility was near zero—you couldn’t see more than a few feet.”

The jet went down just a few miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, a regional airfield commonly used by private and business aviation.

😱 Witness to the Tragedy

Jennifer Hoffman, who lives just blocks away from the crash site, described the terrifying moment it happened:

“I was still half asleep when I saw a flash outside the window. I thought it was lightning, then came a loud bang, followed by what sounded like popping. I looked out and saw the sky glowing red—it was terrifying.”

Local churches have opened their doors to those displaced, offering food, shelter, and support to evacuated residents.

🕊️ Victims Identified: Music Industry Mourns

By the afternoon, authorities confirmed two fatalities. One of the victims was identified as Dave Shapiro, a respected name in the music industry and co-founder of Sound Talent Group. Shapiro was also a licensed pilot.

In a statement, Sound Talent Group shared their grief:

“We’re heartbroken over the loss of our co-founder, colleague, and friend. Our thoughts are with the families of all affected. We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Unconfirmed early reports suggest two additional members of the Sound Talent Group team may have also been on board the jet and did not survive.