Tragic Plane Crash in Tierrasanta Neighborhood Claims Six Lives and Sparks Devastation
ICARO Media Group
### Plane Crash in Tierrasanta Neighborhood Claims Multiple Lives and Causes Significant Destruction
A tragic plane crash early Thursday morning in a Tierrasanta neighborhood has resulted in the death of six individuals onboard and injuries to eight people on the ground. The crash, involving a Cessna 550 Citation II, occurred around 3:45 a.m. as it was attempting to approach Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in dense fog.
According to federal authorities, the aircraft clipped a power line before crashing approximately two miles from the airport. The ensuing disaster ignited fires that burned several cars and homes in military housing. The impact left a path of devastation along a residential street in the Murphy Canyon community, displacing about 100 residents and causing severe structural damage.
Among the presumed victims are prominent figures in the music industry, including music agent Dave Shapiro, who owned the plane and was a certified pilot, and Daniel Williams, the former drummer for the Ohio metal band The Devil Wears Prada. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that six people were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
The crash had an immediate and chaotic impact on the community, with fires erupting in houses and cars. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Assistant Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as having "a gigantic debris field" and detailed the challenges firefighters faced as they worked to extinguish the blazes. Miraculously, most of the injuries sustained by residents were minor, although one individual required hospitalization for smoke inhalation.
At the time of the crash, the National Weather Service reported that visibility was limited to about half a mile due to thick fog. The pilot had expressed concern about the deteriorating weather conditions as he approached the airport, noting significant differences between nearby airports' weather reports. Communication transcripts captured the pilot's trepidation as he navigated towards the final approach.
The liftoff of the flight was tracked from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, for refueling. However, as it neared San Diego, a succession of troubling events unfolded, culminating in the catastrophic crash.
Witnesses recounted harrowing escapes from their homes. Ben McCarty, whose house was one of those severely damaged, described waking up to his wife's screams and the sight of his home in flames. Neighbors like Gilbert Gonzalez sprang into action, aiding in the evacuation and rescuing trapped family members.
First responders arrived to a scene of pandemonium, with dense fog hampering visibility and multiple vehicles ablaze due to jet fuel spread across the street. Authorities undertook swift evacuation measures, rescuing residents and ensuring immediate safety while managing the complex fire suppression efforts.
The impact and destruction echo similar aviation incidents in the region, reflecting ongoing concerns about flight safety in adverse weather conditions. The neighborhood, previously affected by a 1983 crash involving another aircraft attempting to land at the same airport, faces another period of recovery and rebuilding.
Liberty Military Housing CEO Philip Rizzo estimated that 40 to 50 families might be displaced until the investigation is concluded, with a significant portion needing to be relocated. In the meantime, community support has surged, with local volunteers providing essential aid and comfort to the evacuated residents.
This incident casts a spotlight on aviation safety, the readiness of emergency services, and the profound resilience of communities in the face of sudden disaster.