On Thursday morning, a private jet crashed into a military housing area in San Diego under foggy conditions, resulting in multiple fatalities among those on board the aircraft, according to local authorities. The incident occurred just before 4 a.m., with the plane targeting the U.S. military's largest residential neighborhood, reportedly damaging at least one home and impacting several parked vehicles. No injuries were reported among residents of the area, and emergency crews did not transport any individuals from the housing complex.
The plane, capable of carrying eight to ten passengers, was inbound from the Midwest. Preliminary reports indicated that it was a Cessna Citation II jet that was expected to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego around 3:47 a.m. Witnesses noted that the jet only made a fueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, after originating from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, which is known for serving private and corporate aircraft.
Following the crash, a strong odor of jet fuel permeated the neighborhood as firefighters worked to extinguish flames that had engulfed several vehicles. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the chaotic aftermath, stating, "I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like, but with the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see."
The destruction included six completely burned cars, while debris such as glass and remnants of the aircraft littered the streets. Moreover, over 50 police officers quickly arrived on the scene to initiate evacuations, displacing at least 100 local residents to an evacuation center established in a nearby elementary school.
One resident, Christopher Moore, recounted the terrifying experience of waking up to a loud bang, witnessing smoke billowing outside his window. He and his family hurriedly evacuated their home, witnessing flames consuming a car as they made their escape. Moore described the event as "definitely horrifying," emphasizing the instinctual need to prioritize safety amidst the chaos.
First responders also engaged in rescuing several pets, including three husky puppies, who were moved away from the crash site in a wagon. Meanwhile, families displaced by the incident awaited updates in a nearby parking lot, many still dressed in their pajamas.
The Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is relatively close to the residential area, located about two miles (three kilometers) away. The San Diego Fire Chief, Dan Eddy, mentioned that visibility was extremely low at the time of the crash, stating, "You could barely see in front of you." Investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether the aircraft may have struck a power line prior to the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board has taken charge of the investigation, as the Federal Aviation Administration also remains involved in the inquiry. This unfortunate incident is reminiscent of a previous plane crash in San Diego that resulted in fatalities; in October 2021, a twin-engine aircraft crashed into a suburb, killing both the pilot and a delivery driver on the ground.
This aircraft crash highlights significant concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in adverse weather conditions. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding the causes and circumstances surrounding the tragic event in San Diego.
