San Diego Jet Crash Kills Two, Injures Several \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A private jet crashed into military housing in San Diego during dense fog early Thursday, killing two and injuring several others. The fiery crash destroyed vehicles and homes, displacing more than 100 residents. Authorities are investigating whether the plane clipped a power line before impact.
Quick Looks
- Private jet crashed around 4 a.m. in heavy fog.
- Two people confirmed dead; multiple others injured.
- Jet struck U.S. Navy-owned military housing community.
- About 10 homes and at least six cars damaged.
- Plane likely originated in New Jersey, stopped in Kansas.
- Witnesses describe fiery explosions and scenes of devastation.
- Officials say a large debris field spans several blocks.
- More than 100 residents displaced; school used as shelter.
- FAA and NTSB are investigating crash cause.
- Previous deadly San Diego crashes recalled by residents.
Deep Look
San Diego, CA — A private jet crashed into a U.S. Navy military housing neighborhood early Thursday morning, setting off a chain of explosions and fires that left two people dead, multiple others injured, and more than 100 residents displaced, authorities said. The crash occurred just before 4 a.m. in dense fog, as the aircraft attempted to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
The jet, which could carry up to ten people, smashed into homes and vehicles near the Capital Jewish Museum and not far from the FBI’s field office, igniting a series of car fires and damaging roughly 10 homes. Assistant San Diego Fire Chief Dan Eddy said the fog was so thick, “you could barely see in front of you.”
“I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “With jet fuel running down the street and everything on fire, it was horrific.”
Plane Likely Originated in New Jersey, Stopped in Kansas
Authorities have not confirmed the exact make or registration of the aircraft, but flight-tracking data from FlightAware showed a Cessna Citation II scheduled to land in San Diego at 3:47 a.m., originating from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a refueling stop at Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas.
Teterboro Airport, located just outside Manhattan, is often used by private and corporate jets. Officials at the Kansas airport confirmed the jet made a brief stop before continuing to California.
Impact Zone: Homes, Vehicles Engulfed
When the jet slammed into the military housing complex—one of the largest such neighborhoods owned by the U.S. Navy—it struck at least one home directly, collapsing part of its roof and torching nearby vehicles. The crash site and fire zone spread across multiple streets, with chunks of metal, charred debris, melted trash cans, and shattered glass littering the neighborhood.
Six fully scorched cars were visible hours later, and one car continued to smolder as water and jet fuel pooled in the gutters.
“We have a large debris field that covers multiple streets,” Eddy said.
The NTSB will lead the investigation, with assistance from the FAA and local law enforcement.
Injuries and Evacuations
Initially, officials believed no one had been hospitalized, but San Diego Police Officer Anthony Carrasco later clarified that five family members had been treated for smoke inhalation, and another person was hospitalized after escaping through a window. Two others were treated for minor injuries on-site.
More than 50 police officers responded within minutes to evacuate homes. At least 100 residents were relocated to an emergency shelter at a nearby elementary school.
Eyewitness Accounts: “Horrifying” Fireball and Explosions
Local residents described being jolted awake by the explosion. Christopher Moore, who lives a block away, said he and his wife grabbed their three young boys and fled the house after hearing a loud bang.
“It was definitely horrifying,” he said. “But sometimes, you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety.”
Ariya Waterworth, who lives directly across from the crash site, described waking to a “whooshing sound”, followed by a giant fireball outside her window.
“One of our cars is completely disintegrated,” she said. “The other one is severely damaged. But we’re blessed to be alive.”
Animal Rescues and Community Response
Police officers were seen rescuing multiple pets, including three husky puppies, which were placed in a wagon and wheeled to safety. Families gathered several blocks away in a parking lot, anxiously waiting for word on when they could return home.
City Councilmember Raoul Castillo visited the area and shared harrowing stories of military families helping each other escape, some jumping out of windows to avoid fire.
Investigators Reviewing Final Transmission and Power Line Contact
According to LiveATC.net, the pilot’s final transmission came at 3:45 a.m., stating he was on final approach about three miles from the airport. The Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is located approximately 2 miles from the crash site.
Officials are investigating whether the jet struck a power line during descent, which may have contributed to the loss of control.
History of Tragic San Diego Crashes
The incident is the latest in a string of aviation tragedies in the San Diego area:
- In October 2021, a twin-engine plane crashed in a San Diego suburb, killing the pilot and a UPS driver.
- In December 2008, a U.S. Marine fighter jet crashed into a home, killing four family members.
Both cases prompted federal reviews and highlighted the dangers of flight paths over populated areas.
Thursday’s crash is expected to trigger renewed scrutiny of flight safety in foggy weather, approach protocols at Montgomery-Gibbs Airport, and emergency readiness in residential zones close to active runways.
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