A Learjet that took off from John Wayne Airport crashed in El Cajon killing four

A business jet that took off from John Wayne Airport on Monday, Dec. 27, crashed in El Cajon, killing four people. The pilot was heard screaming in air-traffic control audio “Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t!” prior to the crash.

Here is a press release from the San Diego County Sheriff regarding the plane crash:

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department continues to assist our partner law enforcement and fire agencies with a small plane crash in the unincorporated area of El Cajon. 

It happened on Monday, December 27 just after 7:00 p.m. near the 1200 block of Pepper Drive. 

Deputies from the Santee Sheriff’s Station and Lakeside Sheriff’s Substation immediately responded to the scene along with the Lakeside Fire Protection District, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and El Cajon Police Department. 

The plane was scheduled to land at Gillespie Field in El Cajon.  At this time, we do not have information on where the plane was coming from or how many were on board. Firefighters were not able to find any survivors at the crash scene. In the County of San Diego, the Medical Examiner’s Office is the agency that rules on the manner or cause of deaths, as well as identification of the person/people once the family has been notified.

One home was damaged and power lines were knocked down in the area. No one was hurt on the ground. At this time, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) crews are on scene working to restore power to nearly 70 customers in the area. The American Red Cross will be providing assistance tomorrow morning, December 28 to residents who remain affected by the power outage. 

Be aware that Pepper Drive will remain closed between Topper Lane and North 2nd Street through Wednesday, December 29 as it will take some time for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to process the scene. Please avoid the area if you can and plan accordingly if this is part of your commute. 

If you have photos or videos of the plane crash, send them to witness@ntsb.gov. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the plane crash. If you need to talk to someone or need mental health resources, call the County Crisis Line 24/7 at (888) 724-7240.

For the latest updates, follow the Sheriff’s Department on Twitter: @SDSheriff.