Music Talent Agent Among Victims in Deadly San Diego Plane Crash

A small private jet crash early Thursday morning in a San Diego neighborhood claimed the lives of several individuals, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of the Sound Talent Group, and two of his colleagues. The Cessna 550 jet crashed around 3:45 a.m., just before landing at Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport, igniting a massive fire that destroyed multiple homes and cars.

Authorities confirmed two fatalities—both believed to be passengers on the plane—and eight injuries on the ground, mostly from smoke inhalation. More than 100 residents were displaced, many from the military housing community of Murphy Canyon.

Investigators said the plane struck power lines in dense fog before crashing. The pilot, who received limited weather data due to a malfunction at the airport’s weather station, decided to proceed with landing. The airport control tower was closed at the time—standard for its size.

Shapiro, listed as the plane’s owner, was flying from Wichita, Kansas, after a stop to refuel. The flight originated in Teterboro, New Jersey.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating. No mayday call was made, and flight recorders have not yet been recovered. Mayor Todd Gloria called it a “terrible tragedy,” citing poor visibility as a likely factor.

Emergency workers described a horrific scene with jet fuel running down the street, multiple explosions, and courageous rescue efforts by police and firefighters. Residents described narrowly escaping through windows, over fences, and even by jumping onto trampolines to flee the flames.