NTSB Reports Inoperative Runway Lights Factor in Fatal San Diego Plane Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the May 22 crash of a Cessna Citation S550 in San Diego reveals that non-functioning runway alignment indicator lights, out of service since March 2022 due to delayed repairs pending an environmental study, likely contributed to the accident that killed six people including musician Daniel Williams and music executive Dave Shapiro. The pilot, who was based at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and also a licensed pilot and plane owner, acknowledged poor weather and visibility conditions and considered diverting but ultimately attempted to land despite the fog and lack of critical lighting assistance. The plane flew too low on final approach, striking power lines at roughly 90 to 95 feet before crashing into a residential neighborhood, damaging a home and igniting 20 vehicles, with eight people on the ground suffering minor injuries. While the FAA had issued a notice about the outage of the runway alignment lights, it remains unclear if the pilot was aware they were non-operational, though evidence suggests he attempted to activate them during approach. Aviation experts highlighted the difficulty of landing without runway lights in foggy conditions, and the crash debris spread over a field length of about 1,200 feet, indicating the plane was still flying as it broke apart. The investigation continues into pilot awareness and potential contributing factors, with all other runway lights reported functioning at the time.