- 6 fatalities confirmed including music industry professionals
- 8 ground injuries reported with 5 requiring smoke inhalation treatment
- Crash occurred during final approach in 400m visibility conditions
- Flight originated in New Jersey with Kansas refueling stop
- Airport safety systems offline during incident
The San Diego community continues grappling with the aftermath of Thursday's devastating aviation disaster. New details from the Medical Examiner's office confirm 41-year-old Dominic Damian and 24-year-old Kendall Fortner were among the six victims aboard the ill-fated Cessna 550. The aircraft's impact destroyed three residential properties and damaged six vehicles, with emergency crews containing the blaze within 90 minutes of response.
Aviation safety experts highlight three critical factors in the ongoing NTSB investigation: 1) Non-functional runway lighting systems 2) Absence of automated weather observations 3) Crew decision-making in reduced visibility conditions. Historical data shows San Diego County averages 2.3 fog-related aviation incidents annually, though few result in fatalities.
The music industry mourns the loss of Sound Talent Group co-founder David Shapiro and two junior associates. Colleagues confirm the team was returning from a Midwest talent scouting mission. Industry analysts note private jet usage among entertainment agencies has increased 17% since 2022, raising questions about travel risk management protocols.
Survivors from the Murphy Canyon neighborhood describe a fireball descending through the fogbefore the 3:45 AM impact. Insurance adjusters estimate $4.2 million in property damage, while trauma counselors have been deployed to assist displaced families. The NTSB's preliminary report is expected within 10 business days.
