Aircraft crash near San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs Airport

6 fatalities • San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed during a night approach to San Diego, resulting in the destruction of the plane and several ground vehicles.

What happened

A flight traveling from Teterboro to San Diego, with a scheduled stop at Wichita-Colonel James Jabara Airport, ended in a crash during its final approach. While attempting a night arrival at San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs Airport on Runway 28R, the crew operated under marginal weather conditions. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft type descended beneath the established minimum descent altitude. This maneuver led to a collision with power lines. The impact occurred at 3100 Salmon Street in Terriasanta, approximately 3 km before reaching the threshold of Runway 28R. The resulting impact caused the plane to burst into flames, leading to the total destruction of the aircraft and multiple vehicles located on the ground.

Findings

The investigation into the accident highlights that the descent below the minimum descent altitude was the primary factor leading to the collision with utility lines.

Probable cause

The aircraft descended below the required minimum descent altitude during a night approach in marginal weather, resulting in a collision with power lines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-05-22 Cessna 550 Citation II accident near San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed during a night approach to San Diego, resulting in the destruction of the plane and several ground vehicles.

Were there any fatalities in the 2025-05-22 Cessna 550 Citation II accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-05-22 involved a Cessna 550 Citation II, registration N666DS, operated by Daviator, at San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft descended below the required minimum descent altitude during a night approach in marginal weather, resulting in a collision with power lines.

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