SAN DIEGO (June 14, 2025) — In the early afternoon of June 8, a private twin-engine Cessna 414 took off from San Diego International Airport bound for Phoenix Phoenix Sky Harbor, carrying six lives and the promise of a family reunion. Just seconds into the flight, passengers heard the pilot’s eerie distress calls: “Mayday, Mayday, we’re struggling to climb.”
Among those on board were pilot Landon Baldwin and his pregnant wife Torrie, as well as Arizona resident George “Jeremy” Bingham and his three adult sons—Bailey, Gavin, and Ayden. Their journey ended tragically when the aircraft plummeted approximately three miles west of Point Loma into the Pacific Ocean.
Haunting Final Moments
Air traffic control urgently instructed the pilot to climb to 4,000 feet, but Baldwin, apparently struggling under thick coastal fog, reported being unable to see the nearby naval airfield. He issued multiple “Mayday” calls before contact was lost . A local surfer later described how the plane dipped briefly before disappearing beneath the waves.
Six Lives Lost, One Miracle Missed
All six aboard were tragically killed. The rescued debris confirmed no survivors. On the ground, grieving families were left in mourning—Landon and Torrie leave behind two young children, while Jeremy’s fiancée, Bailey’s wife and son, and Ayden’s fiancée were devastated by the loss.
A Legacy of Love and Generosity
Landon and Torrie were remembered by relatives as kind and devoted parents. Jeremy was known as a hardworking father who valued family deeply; his sons were described as warm-hearted, driven, and full of life . One friend said, “Jeremy wanted his boys to create lasting memories—and now their story has suddenly ended.”
Community Response and Rescue Efforts
The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside San Diego Harbor Police and Customs & Border Protection, scoured over 300 square miles searching for survivors before suspending the search . The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are currently investigating the crash. Early findings point to altitude issues during takeoff and possible malfunction or adverse weather as causes .
Deep Grief, Growing Thorns of Hope
Across Arizona and California, the tragedy has shaken fans, neighbors, and the aviation community. GoFundMe campaigns are underway to support the grieving families, and friends shared stories of love, light, and faith surrounding each victim, reminding us all that even in devastation, humanity endures .
ANNOUNCEMENT: The NTSB plans to publish an accident report in the coming weeks. Until then, families, friends, and first responders continue to search for answers to make sense of this heartbreaking plunge into tragedy.
