Chilling Final Moments of Pilot’s Communication with Air Traffic Control Before California Plane Crash Revealed
ArchiveFirst published June 13, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
A routine flight from San Diego to Phoenix ended in tragedy when a Cessna 414 crashed into the ocean near Sunset Cliffs on June 9. The plane, carrying six people, disappeared from radar just minutes after takeoff. All passengers are presumed dead.
Air traffic control recordings reveal the pilot’s distress as he struggled to maintain altitude. “Mayday, mayday, mayday,” he called out before vanishing from radar. Despite being offered emergency landing options, the plane crashed five miles offshore.
Among the victims were pilot Landon Baldwin and his pregnant wife, Torrie, as well as Jeremy Bingham and his three sons—Bailey, Gavin, and Ayden. Tributes poured in for the tight-knit families. “We never thought this would happen,” said Baldwin’s cousin.
Rescue crews found debris and oil in waters over 200 feet deep. No survivors were found. The Bingham family will be honored at a June 14 memorial service, as loved ones mourn lives lost too soon and await answers from ongoing investigations.
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