News Summary
A tragic aircraft crash off the coast of San Diego resulted in the loss of all six individuals on board, including a pregnant woman. The investigation revealed erratic flight patterns and difficulties in navigation. Recovery efforts have been suspended as search operations continue for the victims and wreckage. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the grieving families during this difficult time.
San Diego – A light aircraft crash off the coast of San Diego on June 8 resulted in the tragic loss of all six individuals on board, as confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The investigation reveals an erratic flight path before the incident, raising concerns about the aircraft’s handling during critical moments.
The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. and was located approximately two miles west of Point Loma. The pilot, 28-year-old Landon Baldwin from Pima, Arizona, reported difficulties in maintaining a controlled heading and altitude just before the aircraft went down.
According to the NTSB report, the aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna 414A, experienced a sudden descent from an altitude of 2,000 feet to around 200 feet. Following this, the plane climbed again briefly before crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Despite receiving instructions from an air traffic controller to perform a 180-degree left turn prior to the crash, Baldwin’s ability to navigate was compromised.
Communication logs indicated that Baldwin struggled to locate the nearest airport, which was only one mile away, indicating significant difficulties in controlling the aircraft. Recovery efforts initiated after the plane disappeared involved multiple agencies covering a search area of 300 square miles, lasting approximately 35 hours. However, the search yielded no results in locating the bodies of the victims or the majority of the aircraft wreckage. The Coast Guard subsequently suspended search operations on June 10, with a commitment to resume efforts as new information becomes available.
The passengers included Baldwin’s pregnant wife, 25-year-old Torrie, as well as fellow Arizona resident Jeremy Bingham, 48, and Bingham’s three adult sons, Ayden (21), Bailey (27), and Gavin (25). Baldwin had flown the group from Arizona to California a day prior to the accident, and they were en route back to Phoenix at the time of the crash.
A fellow pilot and friend of Baldwin noted that while he typically flew proficiently, he had displayed some nervousness when navigating through Southern California airspace. Additionally, the Cessna 414A lacks modern flight systems such as autopilot and a glass cockpit, which would make manual flying more challenging under adverse conditions.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support the Bingham family, which has already raised over $35,000. The funds aim to assist them during this difficult period and contribute to ongoing recovery efforts.
This incident marks a deeply saddening event for the families and the communities affected. As investigations continue, more information regarding the circumstances leading to the crash may emerge, offering clarity to a tragic situation.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8
- Wikipedia: Plane crash
- AZ Central
- Google Search: San Diego plane crash
- Patch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air safety
- The New York Times
- Google News: San Diego plane crash
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: San Diego plane crash
- Associated Press
