In the early hours of May 22, tragedy struck a Southern California neighborhood when a small plane crashed into a military housing area in Tierrasanta, located about 10 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. The devastating accident resulted in multiple fatalities, as the aircraft slammed into over a dozen homes and vehicles, sparking fires and causing widespread chaos. Authorities quickly mobilized evacuation efforts, aiming to secure the area and assist those affected.
The crash happened around 3:45 a.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The small plane, a Cessna 550 registered out of the Midwest, went down in the residential area, though officials have yet to confirm if it was a private or military aircraft. San Diego Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Dan Eddy revealed that between eight and ten people were on board, with several passengers losing their lives in the horrific incident.
Remarkably, despite the intense destruction, no fatalities were reported among residents on the ground. Some suffered minor injuries, and one person was hospitalized, while two others received medical treatment and were released, according to an update from the San Diego Police Department on social media.
The force of the crash caused around 15 homes to catch fire, with multiple vehicles also damaged or destroyed. “I just walked the street myself,” Eddy said during a morning briefing. “The scene looks like something out of a movie.” The presence of jet fuel, spilled across the streets, further complicated emergency response efforts. “We have jet fuel all over the place,” he added, noting that hazardous materials teams had been dispatched and additional resources were requested to handle the spill safely.
Firefighters and rescue crews responded swiftly to extinguish the flames and launch extensive search operations. “Our goal is to get into every home the plane impacted, making sure everyone is out and safe,” Eddy said. Despite the scale of the destruction, emergency teams worked methodically to ensure no one else was trapped or harmed.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl reported that over 50 officers were deployed to the scene, helping to evacuate residents, secure the neighborhood, and search for survivors. Wahl described the scene as overwhelming, with jet fuel streaming down the streets and fires blazing simultaneously. The impact was so severe that it displaced at least 100 people from their homes, creating an urgent need for shelter and support.
The crash site was pinpointed near Santo Road and Sculpin Street, close to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Authorities have not confirmed whether the plane had just taken off or was preparing to land at the airport before the crash. An evacuation center was quickly set up at Miller Elementary School to assist displaced residents and keep them safe away from the dangerous area.
Adding to the community’s response, Naval Base San Diego’s Commanding Officer Captain Bob Heely noted that Tierrasanta is one of the largest military housing areas worldwide. He emphasized the involvement of the United Service Organizations (USO), a leading nonprofit serving active-duty military and their families, which would provide crucial support and resources to those displaced by the crash.
The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout San Diego as residents and officials grappled with the aftermath. Emergency responders continued their work late into the day and expected to remain on-site for at least 24 hours as they monitored the situation and addressed the ongoing hazards posed by spilled jet fuel and structural damage.
While investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, the community remains focused on recovery, healing, and ensuring the safety of all affected. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with aviation accidents and the critical importance of rapid emergency response in minimizing harm during such disasters.
