Small Plane Crashes Into Military Housing in San Diego, Sparks Fires

Crash in San Diego: Plane Hits 15 Homes

Fires Damage Houses and Cars

Pilot and Passengers Still Missing

A disaster was narrowly avoided Thursday morning when a small plane crashed into a military housing neighborhood in San Diego, California.

The aircraft went down in a residential area, triggering immediate chaos as multiple fires erupted across the site.

Dan Eddy, Deputy Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, confirmed that the plane struck approximately 15 homes.

“I just walked the area myself—it looks like a movie set,” Eddy told reporters at the scene.

Plane Crash Shocks Military Neighborhood

#22may | A plane crashed in a neighborhood in San Diego, in California (United States), on Thursday morning. The impact caused a fire that affected around 15 houses and forced evacuating homes in several blocks. So far, it is unknown how many … pic.twitter.com/2hbqbiwmsw

– El Diario (@eldiario) May 22, 2025

Eddy explained that the impact sparked fires in both homes and nearby parked vehicles.

The small plane involved in  the crash appears to have been a private jet, possibly a Cessna, although officials have yet to confirm the exact model.

So far, no injuries or fatalities have been reported as a result of the crash.

“The silver lining is that we haven’t had to transport anyone from the scene at this time,” Eddy stated.

He also confirmed that authorities are still searching for the pilot and any potential passengers.

Emergency teams have evacuated nearby areas due to the risk posed by spilled aviation fuel.

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“We have jet fuel everywhere,” Eddy warned.

“A hazmat unit is on site, and we’ve requested additional resources to manage the situation,” he added.

Military Complex Impacted by Crash

Small Plane Crashes Into Military Housing in San Diego – Photo: Twitter screenshot (x)

The homes affected by the crash belong to a military housing complex.

San Diego Police have urged the public to avoid the area while emergency response efforts continue.

The department released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) announcing that more information will be shared as it becomes available.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also acknowledged the crash through his social media platforms.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has not yet confirmed how many people were on board the aircraft.

Authorities are inspecting each damaged home to ensure no one is trapped inside.

The neighborhood remains cordoned off for safety as crews work to contain the fuel spill and stabilize the area.

The cause of the San Diego plane crash is still under investigation, and officials are expected to provide updates in the coming hours.

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SOURCE: NBC News