Private jet crashes into San Diego’s Murphy Canyon at 3:45 a.m., killing all onboard and setting homes ablaze

At approximately 3:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, May 22, 2025, a Cessna 550 private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood in San Diego, California, resulting in multiple fatalities among the passengers and crew onboard. The crash caused a significant fire that engulfed at least 15 residential homes and numerous vehicles, prompting a rapid response from emergency services and evacuations across several city blocks.

According to initial reports from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, emergency crews arrived on the scene within minutes of the incident after receiving multiple 911 calls from residents who had been awoken by a loud explosion. Fires intensified by spilled jet fuel spread quickly across the impact site, damaging homes and cars on both sides of the street.

San Diego police confirmed to local media that there were no reported injuries among residents on the ground, but all individuals aboard the aircraft were killed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash.

Where Was the Jet Coming From and Where Was It Headed?

Officials from the FAA stated that the Cessna 550 had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The aircraft was conducting a routine descent into the airport and had reportedly reached within three miles of runway 28 when contact was lost.

The FAA also confirmed that the airport’s control tower was not in operation at the time of landing — a normal protocol during non-tower hours — meaning the aircraft was performing an uncontrolled visual approach. No distress call was made, and weather data from the time of the crash confirmed dense fog conditions over the area, potentially affecting visibility during descent.

How Did Emergency Services Respond to the San Diego Jet Crash?

Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department described the scene as “a gigantic debris field.” He confirmed that jet fuel leakage had exacerbated the speed and scale of the fire, which took firefighters several hours to contain. Utility crews were deployed to shut off power and gas to surrounding homes to prevent further explosions.

More than a dozen firefighting units, including hazmat teams and search-and-rescue personnel, worked throughout the early morning hours to locate and extract survivors and pets. Officials reported that several animals, including three husky puppies, were safely recovered from one of the burning homes.

Temporary evacuation centers have been set up by the city’s Office of Emergency Services, with the American Red Cross offering emergency shelter and supplies to displaced residents. As of Thursday afternoon, city authorities were working to restore utilities and assess the structural integrity of homes in the crash vicinity.

Are There Any Theories on What Caused the Crash?

As of now, the FAA and NTSB have not determined the cause of the crash. Federal investigators have begun examining the wreckage for signs of mechanical failure, navigational errors, or collision with infrastructure such as power lines. Residents in the area reported power outages and flickering lights moments before the crash, which has led to speculation about a possible mid-air impact with electrical wiring.

FAA officials emphasized that the investigation will include flight data and cockpit voice recorders, if recoverable. Given the extent of the fire and damage to the fuselage, recovery may take several days. The aircraft’s flight history, maintenance logs, and pilot records will also be examined in detail.

The NTSB is expected to hold a preliminary press briefing within 48 hours, followed by an interim report in the coming weeks. Final determinations may take months.

What Is Known About the Victims and the Aircraft?

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities or number of passengers onboard, citing the need to notify next of kin. The Cessna 550 is typically used for business or private charter flights and can carry between six to nine passengers. The aircraft was registered in the United States, though officials have not released the name of the owning entity.

The crash has raised questions about flight safety protocols for smaller jets landing at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport during low-visibility hours and without air traffic control support. While the airport routinely handles such traffic, this incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of approach procedures and pilot visibility standards.

What Has Been the Community Response?

Residents in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood described scenes of chaos and confusion in the aftermath of the crash. Many reported being jolted out of sleep by a sudden boom, followed by shaking windows, sirens, and the glow of fire outside. Several community members ran door-to-door helping neighbors evacuate before the flames spread.

Mayor Todd Gloria issued a public statement later in the day, expressing condolences to the families of those who perished and praising first responders for their swift and effective action. City officials have mobilized disaster response units to aid affected residents with emergency housing and financial recovery services.

Community groups are also organizing vigils to commemorate the victims and assist displaced families through local fundraising efforts.

Has San Diego Faced Similar Incidents in the Past?

This is not the first time San Diego has experienced a fatal aviation crash in a residential area. In 2021, a medical transport plane crashed into the suburb of Santee, killing the pilot and a UPS driver on the ground. That crash also raised alarms about the risks of aviation activity over densely populated neighborhoods.

The Murphy Canyon neighborhood is located near several airports and a military airbase, making it a corridor for regular low-altitude aircraft movement. These geographical factors, combined with weather patterns such as coastal fog, have historically contributed to aviation safety concerns in the region.

What Are the Next Steps in the Crash Investigation?

The NTSB has cordoned off the crash site and will be working alongside FAA officials and local law enforcement over the next several days to collect forensic evidence, interview witnesses, and recover any viable black box data. Drone footage and residential surveillance videos will also be used to reconstruct the plane’s final descent.

Officials are urging residents not to disturb debris and to report any scattered aircraft parts found outside the primary crash zone. Investigators are particularly interested in determining if the aircraft deviated from its expected flight path in the final moments or experienced a system failure.

The FAA has confirmed that an interim report on the crash will be released within the next 30 days, though a final ruling on probable cause may take six months or more depending on the complexity of the findings.

How Is the City Ensuring Public Safety Going Forward?

In the short term, the city is coordinating with utility providers to repair damaged infrastructure and restore power to affected areas. A full structural assessment of the damaged homes is underway, and building inspectors have been dispatched to evaluate safety risks before residents are allowed to return.

The incident is also prompting a review of nighttime flight procedures and airport operational hours at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. City officials are expected to meet with FAA regional directors and local aviation experts to discuss whether enhanced approach lighting systems or expanded tower hours are warranted.

Meanwhile, support for displaced families continues through a joint effort involving the San Diego Housing Commission, nonprofit partners, and emergency management teams. Psychological counselors and trauma specialists are also on site for residents coping with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.