San Diego, CA – A plane crash in San Diego has left a devastating toll with multiple fatalities, destroyed homes, and burned vehicles after a private aircraft struck a military residential complex in the Tierrasanta neighborhood during the early morning hours of May 22, 2025.
Local authorities reported that the aircraft, a Cessna Citation II traveling from Wichita, Kansas, was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The jet can carry 8 to 10 people, but how many were on board during the crash is still unclear.
A Catastrophic Impact on the Community
The crash occurred around 4:00 a.m. under heavy fog, severely limiting visibility. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy of the San Diego Fire Department confirmed that “visibility was near zero.”
The impact triggered a series of fires across homes and vehicles and knocked down power poles, making rescue operations extremely difficult. Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as “horrific,” with jet fuel flooding the streets and multiple structures burning simultaneously.
Victims and Evacuations
San Diego Police confirmed multiple fatalities resulting from the crash. One person remains hospitalized in critical condition, while two others were treated and released. Fortunately, no neighborhood residents were directly injured by the collision, though many suffered property losses and were evacuated as a precaution.
Two nearby schools were closed as a preventive measure, and authorities urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate emergency response efforts.
Ongoing Investigation
Although the exact model of the aircraft has not been officially confirmed, FlightAware indicated that a Cessna Citation II was scheduled to land at 3:47 a.m. at the local airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
How Can Ayuda California Help?
At Ayuda California, we provide compassionate and professional legal representation to victims of aviation accidents and the families affected by operational negligence, mechanical failure, or navigation errors.
✔️ Free legal consultation to evaluate your case
✔️ Technical and legal investigation in coordination with aviation experts
✔️ Compensation for property loss, injuries, wrongful death, and emotional trauma
Get the medical care you need and the financial recovery you deserveIf you or a loved one were affected by an aviation accident in California, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you rebuild your life with justice.
