Two people were killed on Monday, September 7, 2026, when a small aircraft crashed on the runway at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, California. The aircraft caught fire after the crash, prompting a major emergency response and a temporary airport closure.
According to the San Diego Police Department, cited by NBC 7 San Diego, the accident was reported at around 5:20 p.m. local time. Both occupants died. Around 30 San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel were deployed to the scene.
Fire officials said the aircraft was burning on the runway and the airport would remain temporarily closed during emergency operations. City News Service also reported that the Federal Aviation Administration ordered the airport closed while responders worked at the scene.
Aircraft type still to be confirmed
Early local reports referred to a Cessna, but the exact model and registration had not yet been officially confirmed. The circumstances of the crash also remained unknown at the time of publication.
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is a major general-aviation airport a few kilometres from downtown San Diego. It handles private, business, training, air-ambulance and public-safety flights.
This article may be updated as the FAA, NTSB or local authorities release further verified information.
Sources
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department; San Diego Police Department; NBC 7 San Diego; City News Service; City of San Diego.
Featured image: Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport: City of San Diego.
Why the cause cannot be inferred from the first reports
A runway crash followed by fire can result from several very different scenarios. Investigators need aircraft evidence, weather data, witness accounts and operational records before drawing conclusions.
Related: Australia: two killed in Beechcraft Bonanza crash, another recent general-aviation accident under investigation.
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