When a young couple’s little plane plummeted from the skies close to the coast, their return flight from California to Phoenix ended tragically.
On June 8, 2025, a twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed into the water close to Point Loma, a San Diego neighbourhood by the sea, killing six people. The pilot and his wife, Landon and Torrie Baldwin, were among the dead; their passing has rocked a tight-knit town and left two small children without parents.
After the jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday while returning to Phoenix after taking off from Arizona the previous day, the Federal Aviation Administration verified there were no survivors.
A field of wreckage in waters about 200 feet deep was eventually discovered by search teams after the tragedy, which occurred about five miles off the Point Loma peninsula.
Although the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are still looking into what caused the crash, a number of details suggest that the flight ran into issues shortly after takeoff.
Landon told air traffic controllers he was having trouble keeping his direction and altitude, according to radar data from FlightAware and audio from LiveATC.net.
The pilot reported that the aircraft was only around 1,000 feet above sea level and was still having trouble, despite the recommendation to reach 4,000 feet. After that, the plane made two turns towards the coast before returning to the water.
He was then instructed to land at a neighbouring U.S. naval airport on Coronado Island by air traffic authorities. However, Landon said that he was unable to see the airport. Shortly thereafter, he yelled “Mayday,” and then vanished from view.
The aircraft was owned by Optimal Health Systems, a Pima, Arizona-based business, according to flight records. The company did, however, clarify that it had sold the aircraft to a group of private persons in 2023 and that it’s possible that the FAA database included out-of-date ownership information.
Landon’s sister recognised the pilot and his wife. They both resided in Safford, Arizona, and were in their 20s. They regrettably leave behind two kids, both younger than five.
Several sources state that a Gila Valley father and his three grown sons were also on board.
Tyson Wislofsky, an eyewitness who was surfing close by at the time, told NBC 7 about the last minutes of the plane. According to him, the aircraft ascended back into the sky for a brief moment after emerging from the clouds at an angle.
“The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water,” Tyson said, adding that the aircraft descended “nose first” and very fast. He also mentioned that everything was silent after the splash.
In the meantime, 43-year veteran pilot Robert Katz, an aviation expert, examined the event and offered his thoughts on what might have caused it.
“Given the empirical evidence that we have at the moment, it appears to me that this pilot was spatially disoriented, given the fact that this happened so quick after departure and the tenor of this pilot’s voice in how he was communicating with [air traffic control],” the witness stated.
He added that he did not suspect a mechanical failure because the plane appeared to be well-equipped based on pictures taken from the cockpit.
In addition, the expert told NBC 7 that he thought the pilot would have reported the issue right away if there had been an engine problem. This is due to the fact that when an engine in a twin-engine aircraft malfunctions, more effort is required to control the aircraft.
Since many members of the Pima community knew the Baldwins personally, they have now voiced their deep sadness. In a statement, Optimal Health Systems founder Doug Grant stated he knew a number of the passengers that day.
“Our sincerest condolences are offered to those affected by the tragedy, all of whom are incredible members of our small community,” he said.
The young couple, who were remembered for their faith, love, and lively personalities, is also being mourned by friends and relatives. According to Kirsten Baldwin, his cousin by marriage, Landon was devoted to his family and a passionate pilot who aspired to pursue a career in aviation.
While speaking to Fox10 Phoenix, Kirsten expressed disbelief and sorrow. “I didn’t want to believe it at first because it just didn’t seem like it could happen to this couple who is so awesome that I knew,” she said.
She also explained that both Landon and Torrie “had a lot of faith about the power of seeing your loved ones again, and that families can live together forever.” Therefore, while the loss is tragic, Kirsten added, “There’s a little bit of hope that they will get to see their kids again.”
Other people also took to social media to share heartfelt tributes. Shelby Shupei Bedolla, a close friend, posted, “I admired Landon’s work ethic. […] He was the best dad and husband.”
“Bright, loving, and selfless,” she recalled, Torrie was the life of every gathering and a lady whose presence brightened the spirits of everyone around her.
Additionally, Shelby wrote, “It’s going to be so hard to live without their Christlike presences. It’s difficult to know that my kids lost two people that they considered family.”
Another friend, Tasia Shupe Martin, remembered Torrie’s authenticity and warmth: “Your optimism is the most contagious thing… Every time I step outside and feel the sunshine, I can only think of you.”
Additionally, Tasia expressed gratitude to Landon for being her husband’s “brother by choice” and claimed that their love had a profound impact on their lives.
The Arizona community grieves the loss of all six lives in this plane tragedy while the FAA and NTSB continue their investigation. We send our deepest sympathies to all of their loved ones during this trying time.
