A private jet slammed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday, killing three passengers, including an Alaska talent agent and entrepreneur. The Cessna S550-Citation II departed Wichita around 2:36 a.m. CDT and never reached its destination at Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport.
Flames and twisted wreckage scorched the neighborhood after the plane hit multiple homes and several parked vehicles during the crash. Federal officials said six people were on board, though they may not have confirmed the exact number of fatalities as of Thursday night.
Sound Talent Group confirmed that three of its team members, including co-founder David Michael Shapiro of Anchorage and San Diego, were on the flight. Shapiro, who co-owned the jet through Alaska-registered Daviation LLC, also ran a flight school and a record label.
The FAA confirmed the aircraft was registered to Daviation LLC and listed Shapiro as a licensed pilot and certified flight instructor. Officials have not determined whether Shapiro was piloting the jet when it fell in foggy weather near military housing.
Fire officials reported Thursday morning that flames engulfed homes and shattered windows, but no residents in the neighborhood were seriously injured. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy told reporters that crews were still recovering bodies and securing the scene before releasing final numbers.
The aircraft appeared to strike one house, directly collapsing its roof, while nearby homes and cars also sustained serious fire damage. While earlier police reports indicated two confirmed deaths, federal investigation now believes there were likely three or more fatalities. This incident is being investigated, and so far, the cause of the crash has not been identified.
