A small Cessna 550 crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, killing all six on board. Investigators focus on the role of fog and technical glitches at Montgomery Field Airport. Notable victims include music agent Dave Shapiro and former drummer Daniel Williams of The Devil Wears Prada.
NTSB Investigates San Diego Plane Crash Amid Technical Glitches
NTSB Investigates San Diego Plane Crash Amid Technical Glitches
Foggy conditions and airport system failures could be factors in a tragic crash that claimed six lives, including prominent figures in the music industry.
The recent plane crash in San Diego has drawn significant attention as federal investigators assess the potential impact of both weather conditions and technical failures at Montgomery Field Airport. A Cessna 550, which went down Thursday, struck a residential neighborhood, leading to the presumed deaths of all six passengers. Among them were well-known music industry figures, including former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams, and prominent talent agent Dave Shapiro.
As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) delves deeper into the investigation, early findings reveal that foggy weather accompanied by failures in airport systems may have influenced the incident. Dan Baker, an NTSB investigator, confirmed that the Automated Surface Observing Station—an essential weather data provider for pilots—was inoperative due to an unrelated power surge when the crash occurred at approximately 3:45 AM local time.
Baker also commented on the notification sent to pilots concerning problems with runway lights that assisted in landing; the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft was aiming for this impacted runway. Notably, no emergency was declared by the pilot prior to the crash, and the plane lacked a flight data recorder, complicating the verification of the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Emergency responders evacuated around 100 residents from the area as fire crews worked to extinguish the flames that engulfed several homes and vehicles. Among the victims of the crash, the Sound Talent Group identified Emma Huke and Kendall Fortner, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and friends describing them as vibrant and joy-bringing individuals.
Shapiro, a respected figure in the music business known for his collaborations with rock bands like Sum 41 and his expertise as a pilot, had shared moments in the cockpit on social media hours before the incident. The music community has expressed profound sorrow, as tributes flowed online following the loss of Williams, who left an indelible mark on the band after a decade with them.
As the investigation continues, the NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within a month, with a comprehensive account anticipated within the next one to two years. The loss felt within the music community and the broader public serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability and risks inherent in aviation.
