Six killed in San Diego private Jet Crash, including music executive & crew
The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. as the plane attempted to land in dense fog.
KATHMANDU: A private Cessna 550 Citation II jet crashed early Wednesday morning in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego, killing all six people on board, including pilot and music industry executive Dave Shapiro.
The aircraft was en route from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, with a refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas.
The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. as the plane attempted to land in dense fog.
According to investigators, the aircraft clipped power lines approximately two miles from the runway and burst into flames after impact.
Victims Identified
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the six victims:
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Dave Shapiro (42), co-founder of Sound Talent Group, who was piloting the aircraft.
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Emma L. Huke (25) and Kendall Fortner (24), both assistants at Sound Talent Group.
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Daniel Williams (39), former drummer of metal band The Devil Wears Prada.
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Celina Marie Rose Kenyon (36), a professional photographer and mother.
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Dominic Christopher Damian (41), a software engineer and martial artist.
Shapiro, a certified pilot, was an influential figure in the alternative and rock music scene, representing several prominent touring acts. Tributes have poured in from across the music industry.
Airport Failures and Weather Conditions
The crash has raised serious concerns about airport infrastructure.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the runway’s remote-activated lighting system had been out of service for seven months, and the weather alert system was also non-functional at the time of the crash due to a power surge.
Despite these failures, the pilot attempted to land in poor visibility conditions. Investigators noted that there was no mayday call prior to the crash.
Neighborhood Impact and Investigation
The plane crashed into a residential neighborhood, damaging ten homes—one of which was completely destroyed.
Eight residents sustained minor injuries, and around 100 people were evacuated as a precaution.
The NTSB is currently investigating the crash, focusing on pilot decision-making, aircraft maintenance, and airfield safety.
A preliminary report is expected within weeks, though a final report may take up to two years.
