Six Dead in Private Jet Crash Near San Diego, as NTSB and FAA Launch Investigation: What You Need To Know

In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, a private jet tragically crashed into a residential neighborhood near Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport, San Diego, resulting in the deaths of all six people onboard.

The incident has sparked a comprehensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), focusing on potential factors including pilot fatigue, deteriorating weather conditions, and limited alternate landing options.

Accident Overview

At approximately 3:45 AM local time, a 1985 Cessna Citation II (registration N666DS), operated privately by music executive and licensed pilot Dave Shapiro, struck power lines and then clipped a house in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, roughly two miles from Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport. The jet subsequently crashed, causing extensive damage to 10 homes in the military housing area, with one residence destroyed completely.

All six occupants aboard the jet — including Shapiro and former drummer Daniel Williams — were killed. Fortunately, while the crash injured eight individuals on the ground, there were no fatalities reported among residents.

Flight Details and Conditions

The flight originated at Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, at 11:15 PM EDT on May 21, with a refueling stop at Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas. After a brief 45-minute stop, the jet resumed its journey, completing a nearly eight-hour overnight flight destined for San Diego.

Weather conditions at the time of approach were notably poor, with dense fog limiting visibility to approximately half a mile and a cloud ceiling near 200 feet — conditions that significantly complicated the landing process.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidance (referenced in FAA Advisory Circulars such as AC 120-105 on operational safety), such visibility levels impose serious challenges, especially for private pilots not operating under commercial flight rules or without the benefit of advanced instrument landing systems.

Audio Reveal: Pilot’s Composed Final Communications

Air traffic control (ATC) audio, made public by VASAviation and reviewed by investigators, provides a chilling insight into the pilot’s mindset and professionalism during the final approach.

Dave Shapiro, 42, maintained a calm tone despite worsening weather, requesting updated METAR reports and expressing his concerns clearly:
“I want to see what I’m in for here,” he said. Upon learning of the poor conditions, he acknowledged, “Alright, doesn’t sound great, but we’ll give it a go.”

As the situation deteriorated, Shapiro inquired about alternate airports, but all presented similar visibility challenges. His final words to ATC, “We’ll hopefully not see you… But we might have to,” poignantly reflect the tension and pressure inherent in his decision-making.

Pilot Background and Fatigue Concerns

While Shapiro was not a commercial airline pilot, he was highly experienced, owning a flight school and previously serving as an instructor. However, unlike commercial airline crews governed by strict FAA flight and duty time regulations (FAA Part 117 rules), private pilots frequently operate on irregular schedules with less oversight on rest periods.

The investigation will closely examine the role of pilot fatigue, a well-documented risk factor in aviation safety. The prolonged overnight flight, spanning almost eight hours with limited rest, raises the possibility of “get-there-itis” — a term describing the human tendency to press onward despite adverse conditions due to time pressures or other motivations.

Aviation Safety Context: Human Factors and Weather Hazards

According to the NTSB’s safety reports, pilot error related to fatigue and decision-making under pressure remains a leading cause of general aviation accidents, especially in challenging weather.

The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Advisory Circulars stress that pilots must carefully evaluate weather minimums, approach alternatives, and personal readiness before attempting landings in poor visibility.

Moreover, the use of instrument approaches such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or GPS-based approaches is crucial in fog and low ceiling scenarios, but not all private jets or pilots have the equipment or currency to safely perform these procedures.

Sequence Leading to the Crash

Preliminary findings indicate the Cessna Citation II struck power lines during its descent, clipped a residential structure, and ultimately crashed, indicating a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) scenario aggravated by low visibility and fatigue.

This accident is consistent with prior NTSB investigations where pilots, operating under stress and fatigue, continued approaches despite deteriorating conditions without diverting or aborting.

Ground Impact and Community Response

The crash devastated part of the Murphy Canyon military housing neighborhood. While the FAA and NTSB investigations focus on the causes and prevention of future accidents, emergency services responded swiftly, tending to eight ground injuries.

Local residents and officials have expressed shock and grief, emphasizing the importance of investigating and addressing systemic issues in private aviation safety.

Official Investigations and Next Steps

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has jurisdiction over the crash investigation and will examine all factors, including:

Pilot health, rest, and fatigue history
Aircraft maintenance and mechanical status
Weather conditions and forecasts
Air traffic control communications and procedures
Pilot decision-making processes and alternatives considered

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will concurrently review regulatory compliance and safety oversight relevant to the flight.

Broader Aviation Safety Implications

This tragedy underscores the critical need for enhanced safety practices in general aviation, particularly around human factors and weather assessment.

The FAA’s ongoing campaigns, including the Pilot Safety Program and Safety Management Systems (SMS), aim to reduce accidents by promoting risk management, adherence to weather minimums, and fatigue awareness.

Conclusion

The May 22, 2025, crash of the Cessna Citation II in San Diego tragically ended six lives and damaged a residential community. Early indicators point toward a combination of pilot fatigue, poor visibility, and limited alternate landing options as key contributors.

As the NTSB and FAA investigations continue, aviation safety experts and regulators will likely focus on strengthening fatigue management protocols, improving weather information dissemination, and encouraging pilots to prioritize diversion and safety over mission completion.

For those interested in aviation safety updates and detailed investigation reports, official resources include:

National Transportation Safety Board
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation Safety Reporting System
Aviation Weather Center

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