Investigators Probe Fog, Technical Glitches in Deadly San Diego Plane Crash That Killed Six, Including Music Agent and Rock Drummer

Investigators at the site of the plane crash in San Diego, California.

Federal investigators are examining whether dense fog and critical technical failures at a San Diego airport contributed to the crash of a Cessna 550 jet that killed six people early Thursday morning. The plane crashed into a residential neighborhood near Murphy Canyon, igniting fires, destroying property, and injuring multiple people on the ground.

The jet was attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:45 a.m. local time when it struck high-tension power lines before crashing into homes approximately two miles from the airport. Authorities say all six people aboard are presumed dead, including music industry figures Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and former drummer of rock band The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the aircraft lacked a flight data recorder, complicating efforts to determine what caused the crash. Investigators are being assisted by the FBI as they collect evidence from the scene.

Dan Baker, NTSB investigator, noted that the Montgomery Field Airport was experiencing multiple operational issues at the time of the incident. The airport's Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), which provides pilots with critical weather updates, was inoperative due to a power surge. Simultaneously, a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had been issued informing pilots that one runway's lighting system was down. The pilot was reportedly attempting to land on that affected runway when the crash occurred.

Foggy conditions had been reported throughout the region, though Baker cautioned it remains unclear how much these environmental and technical issues influenced the crash. The pilot made no emergency call and did not report any issues to air traffic control prior to the accident. Officials are investigating whether the jet may have been equipped with a cockpit voice recorder, though none has been confirmed at this stage.

The crash caused significant damage on the ground, destroying at least one home and damaging several cars. About 100 people were evacuated from the neighborhood. Eight people on the ground sustained injuries, including one who was hospitalized.

Among the victims were Emma Huke, 25, and Kendall Fortner, 24, who worked for Sound Talent Group. The company described Fortner as “the life of the party” and Huke as “a beautiful soul who brought joy and a light to everyone in her presence.”

Dave Shapiro, 46, was known for representing high-profile artists such as Sum 41, Parkway Drive, Story of the Year, and Vanessa Carlton. He was also a certified flight instructor and founder of Velocity Aviation. Social media posts showed Shapiro in the cockpit of the doomed aircraft alongside Daniel Williams just hours before the crash.

Williams, a founding member of the Christian metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was remembered by former bandmates in a heartfelt tribute that read, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within 30 days, while a full investigation and final report may take 12 to 24 months.