Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:
Update as of June 18, 2025: According to a preliminary NTSB report, the small jet that crashed into San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood in May descended below the recommended glide path during its approach and struck power lines before crashing. The report revealed that key runway alignment lights at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport had been out of service since March 2022, and the airport’s automated weather system was offline due to a power surge. While it is unclear whether the pilot was aware of these outages, investigators are examining how the lack of navigational aids and poor visibility may have contributed to the crash. A final report is expected in the coming year. (Source: AP News)
Just before 4 am on Thursday, May 22, 2025, a small jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in Murphy Canyon, near Tierrasanta in San Diego. The crash occurred at approximately 3:47 am in the 3100 block of Salmon Street. The aircraft, a Cessna 550, was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it went down, igniting a massive fire that destroyed multiple vehicles and damaged at least 10 nearby homes.
San Diego Fire-Rescue officials confirmed that the crash site was engulfed in flames and scattered with wreckage, including charred cars, downed tree limbs, and twisted aircraft debris. Hazmat teams responded due to the presence of jet fuel, and emergency crews worked alongside military personnel to sweep homes for potential victims. Fortunately, no residents were found injured inside their homes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that six people were on board the plane. At this time, there have been three known fatalities. Sound Talent Group music agency confirmed that three of its employees, including co-founder David Shapiro (42), died on the plane that crashed.
As of May 24th, the other victims have been identified as Emma Huke (25), Celina Kenyon (36), Kendall Fortner (24), Dominic Damian (41), and Daniel Williams.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are actively investigating the crash.
If you or a loved one has been affected by this tragic accident, contact Singleton Schreiber for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is here to help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Weather Instrumentation Failure at Montgomery Field Raises Safety Concerns in Plane Crash Investigation
At the time of the crash, key weather instruments at Montgomery Field Airport were not functioning properly, according to the National Weather Service. The crash occurred under poor visibility and low ceiling conditions. The airport’s Automated Surface Observing Station (ASOS) had stopped reliably transmitting data two days earlier, forcing reliance on nearby Miramar air station and Gillespie Field for weather updates. The pilot expressed concern about the differing conditions between airports just before the crash. While the City of San Diego initially denied any reported outages, it later clarified that the FAA, which maintains the ASOS, had not informed them of any issues. The malfunctioning weather system has raised serious safety concerns, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Crashed Cessna Citation Owned and Operated by Daviator LLC
According to crowdsourced reports, the aircraft was a Cessna S550 Citation, owned and operated by Daviator LLC. Records show that the sole employee and registering agent of the LLC was David Shapiro, one of the reported fatalities.
Aircraft Details: Cessna S550 Citation S/II
Owner/operator: Daviator LLC
Aircraft Registration: N666DS
Departure airport: Wichita-Colonel James Jabara Airport, KS (KAAO)
Destination airport: San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, CA (MYF/KMYF)
The Dangers of Plane Crashes in Residential Areas
When an aircraft goes down in a populated neighborhood, the result can be catastrophic. Fires from jet fuel can spread rapidly to surrounding homes, vehicles, and vegetation. The impact itself may crush structures and vehicles, endangering lives not only onboard but also on the ground. Debris can scatter over large areas, creating further risk for injury or death.
Crashes like the one in Murphy Canyon can be caused by various factors, including:
- Pilot error
- Poor visibility due to weather conditions, such as fog
- Mechanical failure or maintenance issues
- Air traffic control miscommunication
- Bird strikes or other airborne obstacles
- Defective components or aircraft design flaws
At the time of the crash, the area was experiencing dense fog, which may have impacted visibility and flight operations. However, the FAA and NTSB investigations will ultimately determine the root cause.
“Tragedies like this demand answers, not just for the families of those who were onboard, but for the entire community that was put at risk,” says Domenic Martini, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “At Singleton Schreiber, we’ve handled numerous cases involving aviation accidents and fires, and understand the complex emotional and legal challenges families face. Our firm is committed to seeking the truth and pursuing justice for those affected.
Legal Options for Neighborhood Residents and The Families of Those Who Died in the Plane
Victims of plane crashes and their families may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, depending on the circumstances. In this case, two main groups may have legal recourse:
- Homeowners and residents: those whose homes were damaged or destroyed may be able to file claims for property damage, emotional distress, loss of use, temporary relocation costs, and more
- Families of the deceased passengers: if the crash occurred due to negligence, whether by the pilot, maintenance crew, air traffic control, or the aircraft manufacturer, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Aviation accident litigation can be highly complex, involving federal investigations, expert analysis, and multiple potentially liable parties. Working with a law firm that has the resources and experience to handle these types of cases is essential.
If you or your family has been impacted by this tragic event, call Singleton Schreiber today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to support you. Call us at (833) 505-5297 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to get started.
