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San Diego Plane Crash Claims Six Lives, Sparks Federal Investigation

A private jet owned by music agent Dave Shapiro crashed into a residential area, with investigators examining weather, infrastructure failures, and pilot decisions.

Debris covers the ground after a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting homes and cars on fire and forcing evacuations early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/William Liang)
Debris covers the ground after a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting homes and cars on fire and forcing evacuations early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/William Liang)
Debris covers the ground after a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting homes and cars on fire and forcing evacuations early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/William Liang)
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Overview

  • The Cessna 550 Citation, owned by music agent Dave Shapiro, crashed on May 22 near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in dense fog, killing all six onboard.
  • The crash damaged multiple homes and vehicles, but no serious injuries occurred on the ground; eight people were treated for minor injuries.
  • Investigators confirmed the airport's runway lights and weather reporting system were non-functional at the time of the crash, complicating the pilot's landing attempt.
  • Victims include Shapiro, two of his Sound Talent Group colleagues, a former musician, and two others; all six have been identified by authorities.
  • The NTSB and FAA are conducting a year-long investigation into the crash, with preliminary findings expected in the coming weeks.