What's happened
A small Cessna 550 crashed in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego early Thursday morning, killing at least two people. The plane, which was en route from New Jersey to San Diego, struck homes and vehicles, prompting evacuations and an ongoing investigation by federal authorities.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Visibility Issues: The crash occurred in heavy fog, which severely limited visibility. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy noted, "You could barely see in front of you."
- Impact on Community: The crash damaged multiple homes and vehicles, leading to the evacuation of at least 100 residents. The scene was described as horrific, with jet fuel and debris scattered throughout the area.
- Investigation Focus: Authorities are investigating whether the plane clipped a power line before crashing. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, which will likely take time to determine the exact cause.
- Community Response: Local residents expressed shock and fear, with one witness stating, "It was definitely horrifying for sure, but sometimes, you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety."
This incident highlights the risks associated with small aircraft operations, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The community's response and the ongoing investigation will be crucial in understanding the factors that led to this tragedy.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the crash resulted in multiple fatalities among the plane's passengers, with Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy confirming the deaths during a news conference. The Independent reported that the aircraft struck at least one home, causing significant damage and prompting evacuations in the military housing neighborhood. Al Jazeera noted that the plane was en route from the Midwest and had a capacity for eight to ten people, although the exact number on board remains unclear. The San Diego Police Department confirmed that no injuries occurred on the ground, despite the extensive damage to homes and vehicles. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, focusing on the possibility of the plane hitting a power line, as reported by multiple sources.
How we got here
The Cessna 550 aircraft crashed around 3:45 a.m. local time in foggy conditions, shortly before its scheduled arrival at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The plane's owner, Daviation LLC, is based in Alaska.
Go deeper
- What caused the plane to crash?
- How are the residents affected by the crash?
- What are the next steps in the investigation?
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