Accidents

Deadly Cessna Citation II crash in San Diego neighbourhood

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May 22, 2025, San Diego, Ca, United States: San Diego, CA – May 22: Emergency personnel walk within the cordoned-off crash site on Sample Street in Murphy Canyon where a small plane crashed in the early morning hours. Six were killed, and eight were injured when a small plane crashed into military homes in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. The plane, a Cessna 550, crashed as it neared Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:45 a.m. Thursday. (Credit Image: © Nelvin C. Cepeda/San Diego U-T via ZUMA Press Wire)

A tragic plane crash struck the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego on Thursday morning, when a Cessna Citation II jet went down in a residential area owned by the U.S. Navy. The aircraft, carrying six people, crashed shortly after takeoff, erupting into a massive fireball upon impact. Authorities confirmed that two people were killed in the incident and at least eight others sustained injuries, including residents on the ground.

The resulting blaze engulfed multiple homes and vehicles, with dramatic footage showing towering flames and thick black smoke rising from the scene. Over 100 people were evacuated as emergency services rushed to contain the fire and assist the injured. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by scenes of chaos, with some residents narrowly escaping their homes before they were consumed by flames.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by aviation authorities and local officials. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft may have encountered mechanical issues or navigational problems shortly after departure.

This post was published on 23 May 2025 13:11

Bart Noëth

Working for 25 years in the aviation industry, I changed my career and became a firefighter/EMT in 2021. I like to spend my free time with my two sons, girlfriend, family and friends. I love to travel, wine and dine and support my favourite football squad KV Mechelen. Once an Ironman 70.3 finisher and dreaming of completing a full distance.

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Bart Noëth

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