One year later: San Diego reflects on deadly Murphy Canyon plane crash

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — It's been one year since residents in Murphy Canyon were jolted awake by the sound of disaster falling from the sky when a small plane crashed into the San Diego neighborhood. In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, a Cessna Citation II (C550) twin-jet aircraft plummeted into the heart of the military housing community, igniting homes on fire and sending startled residents running into the streets. The small plane was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:45 a.m. when it fell to the ground amid dense fog and low visibility. The crash killed all six people aboard the aircraft, injured several people in the neighborhood, damaged at least 10 homes, and completely destroyed another. For many San Diegans, the images remain unforgettable: burning homes illuminated against the dark sky, streets doused with jet fuel and frightened families rushing outside in their pajamas. First responders described the scene as chaotic and surreal as fire crews battled flames that spread from house to house. Nearly 100 residents had to evacuate their homes that morning. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings revealed the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions during its final approach. Investigators say visibility had dropped to roughly a half-mile because of fog and low-hanging clouds. The report also noted that weather data systems and runway approach lighting at Montgomery-Gibbs had been disabled by a power surge before the crash. Air traffic controllers at nearby MCAS Miramar provided weather conditions to the pilot, and audio recordings between the pilot and air traffic controllers captured the pilot acknowledging the poor conditions but saying he would “give it a go” — an attempt that proved fatal. The victims aboard the plane included music industry professionals and former drummer Daniel Williams of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, whose death drew national attention and tributes from across the music community. As Murphy Canyon marks one year since the dramatic crash, the anniversary serves as both a memorial and a reflection — on the lives lost, the families uprooted and the strength shown by those in the community in the aftermath. Here's a look back at that tragic day: