The catastrophic plane crash in San Diego's Murphy Canyon neighborhood left six families grieving and raised critical questions about potential legal accountability. As federal investigators work to investigate the events leading to the Cessna Citation 550's fatal descent on May 22, 2025, the aviation attorneys at Wisner Baum believe affected families may have rights to pursue justice through litigation.
What Caused San Diego Plane Crash Near Montgomery Gibbs Airport?
In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, a Cessna Citation 550 crashed into a residential neighborhood near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, killing all six people on board. No one on the ground was harmed, though the crash destroyed one home and damaged several others.
The aircraft reportedly struck high-voltage power lines at 3:45 a.m. while attempting to land in dense fog. While the investigation into the cause of the San Diego plane crash is ongoing, media reports have indicated the following as contributing factors:
- Malfunctioning Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS): The airport's primary weather instrumentation stopped transmitting data, leaving pilots without real-time visibility and ceiling measurements. Despite federal regulations requiring notification of unreliable weather systems, FAA failed to issue a mandatory NOTAM about the ASOS outage.
- Approach Lighting System Out of Service: The Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR) was out of service under NOTAM 10/008. NTSB emphasized that the absence of MALSR contributed to the pilot’s “lack of situational awareness” during the foggy approach.
The NTSB will issue a preliminary report in late June 2025. A final report on the crash is expected in 12-24 months. The final report will include the cause (or causes) of the crash along with safety recommendations to help prevent future incidents.
Victims of San Diego Crash Identified
All six passengers who perished in the crash have been identified:
- Dave Shapiro, 42: Music executive and Sound Talent Group co-founder (Sum 41, Pierce The Veil). FAA records list him as aircraft owner with pilot credentials, though investigators haven’t confirmed who controlled the jet during the accident.
- Emma L. Huke, 25 and Kendall Fortner, 24: Booking associates at Sound Talent Group, both were described as rising stars in the music industry.
- Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36: Photographer and mother traveling home early to take her daughter to school.
- Daniel Williams, 39: Former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, who documented the trip on Instagram before departure.
- Dominic Christopher Damian, 41: Software engineer and longtime friend of Shapiro.
Potential Liability in Murphy Canyon Crash
While the cause of the crash will not be known for a year or more, it may be possible for families who lost loved ones to pursue lawsuits. Here are some legal implications stemming from this disaster:
FAA and Airport Negligence
The FAA’s failure to issue a NOTAM about the ASOS outage violates 14 CFR § 91.139, which mandates alerts for inoperative safety systems. “When critical weather data isn’t available, pilots are at a distinct disadvantage,” said Timothy A. Loranger, aviation attorney and senior partner at Wisner Baum. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, multiple parties may be held accountable for failures that led to this crash.”
While runway edge lights functioned, the inoperative MALSR system deprived pilots of essential vertical guidance. NTSB Investigator Dan Baker confirmed the MALSR outage contributed to the “lack of situational awareness” during the foggy approach
Product Liability
Investigators will examine whether:
- The Cessna’s avionics functioned properly.
- Power line proximity met FAA obstruction standards.
- Maintenance logs show compliance with ADs (Airworthiness Directives).
Pilot Negligence
According to available information, including ATC recordings and ADS-B data, it appears that the pilot's decision to continue the approach after acknowledging that the weather was "not great" may have contributed to the crash. Under 14 CFR 91.3, the pilot-in-command (PIC) is the final decision-maker for all aspects of the flight, including aborting a landing, diverting, or continuing an approach. The final report will assess all aspects of the pilot's decision making through the flight.
Types of Potential Legal Claims
Wrongful Death
The crash in San Diego may involve wrongful death claims in which surviving families can seek damages for:
- Loss of financial support and inheritance.
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
Ground Victim Compensation
Property owners may be able to pursue claims for:
- Property repair or replacement.
- Temporary housing or loss of use.
- Personal property loss (furniture, electronics, and other belongings).
Government Liability
If investigators find that FAA oversight contributed to the crash, it may allow families to pursue claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Attorneys may argue the agency’s negligence in NOTAM issuance directly impacted pilot decision-making.
Contact the San Diego Aviation Attorneys at Wisner Baum
If you lost a loved one or suffered property damage in this crash, the San Diego aviation attorneys at Wisner Baum can help navigate complex liability issues potentially involving government agencies, aircraft manufacturers, and others.
Call (855) 948-5098 or visit our contact page to discuss your legal rights.
For investigation updates, please visit the NTSB docket.
Wisner Baum extends our deepest condolences to all affected families. We are committed to securing justice and accountability for this preventable tragedy.
