The investigation into why a Cessna 550 crashed into a Murphy Canyon neighborhood, apparently killing six people aboard the plane, continued on Friday. Thanks to the quick action of first responders and neighbors, no one on the ground was injured in the tragic incident.
What We Know So Far
An investigator provided an update on Friday afternoon, approximately 24 hours after National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) teams arrived at the crash site. It was reported that all passengers aboard the plane had been killed. Authorities are still working to confirm the number and identities of all passengers, but six individuals were believed to be heading to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport early on Thursday morning. Investigators will also be looking into whether the pilot may have been affected by faulty weather data and lighting systems that were not functioning at the time of the crash.
Confirmed Casualties
As of late Friday, three people have been officially identified as deceased: talent agency co-founder Dave Shapiro, who was also a pilot, along with Emma L. Huke, 25, and Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36. Family members and friends have named Dominic Damian, Kendall Fortner, and Daniel Williams as the other victims. Huke and Fortner were employees at Shapiro’s agency.
Impact on the Neighborhood
NTSB investigators revealed that the Cessna struck power lines around two miles southeast of the airport before crashing into the 3100 block of Salmon Street. The impact caused severe fire damage to one home and resulted in a collapsed roof. Additionally, at least 10 other residences sustained damage, along with several vehicles that were destroyed. The NTSB team anticipates completing their on-site investigation within the next three days as they began the process of removing the plane wreckage on Friday.
A Possible Theory
Former NTSB and FAA crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti speculated that dense fog and pilot fatigue may have played a role in the crash. He suggested that the accident appeared to be a result of attempting to land at the airport in poor weather conditions and limited visibility. Guzzetti mentioned that there were alternative airports the crew could have diverted to instead.
Quote of the Day
According to audio recordings, the pilot, whose name has not been disclosed, expressed uncertainty about the weather and visibility conditions during approach to the airport. He reportedly said, “Doesn’t sound great, but we’ll give it a go,” to an air traffic controller.
What Comes Next
The NTSB has initiated their investigation, with a preliminary report expected to be released within a month. However, the comprehensive probe could take up to two years to complete. The Associated Press and City News Service have contributed to the report.
Well, I’m not really sure why this matters, but it seems like the investigation into this tragic plane crash is still ongoing. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s pretty heartbreaking to hear about the lives lost in the accident. Let’s hope that the authorities can uncover the cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future.
