A devastating air disaster unfolded early Thursday morning when a private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood in San Diego, California, claiming the lives of several onboard and causing substantial property damage in the residential area.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation II which can seat between 8 and 10 passengers, went down around 3:45 a.m. local time as it approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, according to CNN. Having departed from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a stopover in Wichita, Kansas, the plane encountered dense fog conditions, potentially a significant factor in the crash.
The impact ignited fires that affected at least 15 homes and multiple vehicles, necessitating the evacuation of approximately 100 residents. Despite the scale of the calamity, no fatalities were reported among local residents, though one person was hospitalized and two others received medical attention at the scene.
Local authorities, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched an investigation to uncover the causes behind the crash. There is speculation that the plane may have collided with high-voltage power lines, which could have exacerbated the fires.
San Diego's Deputy Fire Chief, Dan Eddy, described the aftermath as a "massive debris field," highlighting the widespread aviation fuel across the area. As reported by Local 10, the neighborhood, known as the largest military residential area in the U.S., comprises both single-family homes and townhouses, situated roughly 2 miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Airport.
This tragic incident adds to a troubling series of aviation accidents in the United States in recent months. On April 20, a single-engine Cessna 180 crashed in Coles, Illinois, after striking power lines, resulting in four fatalities. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the urgent need to review aviation protocols and enhance safety measures, particularly for light aircraft operating in urban areas.
Recently, similar incidents with fatalities involving passengers and bystanders occurred in New York, Nebraska, and Florida.
Key Questions About Recent Aviation Accidents in the U.S.
What was the cause of the San Diego private jet crash?
The exact cause is under investigation, but dense fog and potential collision with high-voltage power lines are considered contributing factors.
Were there any survivors in the San Diego crash?
No fatalities were reported among local residents, but one person was hospitalized, and two others were treated on-site.
How common are aviation accidents in the United States?
There has been a concerning rise in aviation accidents in the U.S. with several recent incidents resulting in fatalities, highlighting the need for enhanced safety protocols.