6 fatalities

Airplane Descends Below Minimum Descent Altitude, Strikes Power Lines Near San Diego Airport (N666DS)

San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 22, 2025, a Cessna 550 Citation II (registration N666DS) operated by Daviator was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane on a night approach to San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs Airport Runway 28R in marginal weather descended below minimum descent altitude, struck power lines, and crashed short of the runway, destroying the aircraft and ground vehicles.

Flight Information

The airplane departed Teterboro with a destination of San Diego and an intermediate stop at Wichita-Colonel James Jabara Airport. The crew initiated a night approach to San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs Airport Runway 28R.

Accident Sequence

During the final approach in marginal weather conditions, the airplane descended below the minimum descent altitude. It subsequently collided with power lines and crashed at 3100 Salmon Street, Terriasanta, approximately 3 kilometers short of the runway 28R threshold. The impact resulted in a fire.

Damage

The airplane was destroyed in the crash. Additionally, several vehicles on the ground were destroyed. Runway 28R is 1,000 meters long.

Frequently asked questions

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

An airplane on a night approach to San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs Airport Runway 28R in marginal weather descended below minimum descent altitude, struck power lines, and crashed short of the runway, destroying the aircraft and ground vehicles.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 2025 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 22 May 2025 involved a Cessna 550 Citation II, registration N666DS, operated by Daviator, at San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America.