Nighttime Fog and Faulty Lights: A Deadly Plane Crash in San Diego

A small jet crashed into a San Diego neighborhood in May 2024. The plane had six people on board, including a music executive, and all were killed. The crash also injured eight people on the ground. The plane was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in foggy conditions. The runway lights, which could have guided the plane safely, had been out of order since 2022. The pilot was aware of the fog but decided to land anyway. The pilot had discussed the visibility with an air traffic controller and even tried to activate the runway lights using the microphone. But the pilot did not divert to another airport. The plane struck power lines and then crashed into a home. The impact damaged 20 vehicles and started a fire. The pilot was based at the same airport and had a pilot's license. But it is still unknown if the pilot knew the runway lights were not working. The Federal Aviation Administration had notified pilots about the lights being out of service. A power surge had also knocked out the weather system at the airport. However, the pilot was informed about the foggy conditions from a nearby air traffic controller. The plane was flying too low when it hit the power lines. It should have been much higher as it approached the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. They have not yet determined the exact cause. The final report is expected next year. The NTSB's preliminary report highlights several critical issues. The lack of runway lights and the pilot's decision to land in poor visibility are major concerns. The delay in repairing the lights due to an environmental study is also a point of interest. The crash raises questions about safety protocols and pilot decision-making. Why did the pilot attempt to land in such poor conditions? Did the pilot know the runway lights were out? These are questions that need answers. The NTSB's final report will provide more details. But for now, the community is left to deal with the aftermath of a tragic event.