Tragedy Strikes San Diego: Six Killed in Small Plane Crash
A devastating small plane crash in a San Diego neighbourhood has claimed the lives of all six people on board, according to investigators. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has left the community in shock and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The plane, a twin-engine Cessna Citation, crashed into a residential area just two miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, killing everyone on board, including US music agent Dave Shapiro, 42, and two unnamed employees of the music agency he co-founded, Sound Talent Group. Also among the victims was Daniel Williams, the former drummer for metal band The Devil Wears Prada. According to Sky News, the plane had taken off from Teterboro, New Jersey, around 11.15pm local time on Wednesday, and made a fuel stop in Kansas before continuing to San Diego.
Investigator Dan Baker of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that several factors may have contributed to the crash, including foggy weather conditions and non-functional runway lights. "The pilot acknowledged the weather conditions were not ideal and debated diverting to a different airport while talking to an air traffic controller," Sky News reported. The pilot’s conversation with the air traffic controller was recorded, with the pilot saying "doesn’t sound great, but we’ll give it a go." The Federal Aviation Administration had posted a notice that the lights were not working, but it is unclear whether the pilot was aware of this.
The crash occurred in Murphy Canyon, San Diego, California, and was preceded by the plane clipping power lines. The impact sparked a fire that damaged nearby homes and vehicles, but fortunately, no one on the ground was killed or seriously injured. Eight people were treated for minor injuries. Sky News reported that Assistant San Diego Fire Department chief Dan Eddy described the fog at the time of the crash as so thick that "you could barely see in front of you."
The NTSB is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. The aircraft’s flight schedule, which included a fuel stop in Kansas, would not have been allowed for an airliner under federal rules, but these regulations do not apply to private planes. Following the crash, the San Diego Humane Society has been working to retrieve lost animals and decontaminate dogs exposed to jet fuel. The group has taken in 22 animals, including 16 contaminated dogs and puppies.
The victims of the crash have been identified as Mr Shapiro, two unnamed employees of Sound Talent Group, Daniel Williams, and two others. Mr Shapiro was listed as the owner of the plane and held a pilot’s licence. Sky News has learned that the incident is still under investigation, and further details are expected to be released as they become available. The community is in shock, and the loss of life is being mourned by those who knew the victims.
