Cessna crash investigation underway after San Diego tragedy

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Cessna crash investigation underway after San Diego tragedy

Policy

Jennifer L. Homendy Chairman | National Transportation Safety Board

By Sky Industry News

May 21, 2025

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the causes of a Cessna 550 crash in San Diego that resulted in six deaths, burned vehicles, and at least one destroyed home. The crash occurred on May 22, 2025, in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

A significant challenge for investigators is the absence of a flight data recorder on the aircraft. While exact factors behind the incident remain undetermined, a BBC report noted that Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport experienced an outage around the time of the crash. This may be under review as a contributing factor.

According to the NTSB, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines while approaching the airport just before 4 AM. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that all six people on board were killed. Local officials reported eight injuries on the ground, none serious.

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The BBC report also mentioned two issues at the airport during the crash: an Automated Surface Observing Station was out due to a power surge, and foggy conditions were present. It remains uncertain if these played a role in the accident.

ADS-B tracking data indicated that the Cessna 550 may have been flying too low during its approach, descending below the published glideslope and striking power lines about two miles southeast of the airport. Investigators found parts of the aircraft beneath those lines.

The airport had issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) about problems with landing guidance lighting on one runway. NTSB’s Senior Air Safety Investigator Dan Baker stated that this was where the pilot attempted to land without communicating any problems or declaring an emergency.

The NTSB plans to release a preliminary report within 30 days, with a final report expected in 12 to 24 months.

Among those who died were Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group; Kendall Fortner; Emma Huke; and Celina Kenyon. The identity of another victim has not been disclosed.