Pilot Landon Baldwin and His Wife, Torrie Baldwin, Died in the San Diego Coast Plane Crash

A young couple's return flight to Phoenix from California ended in tragedy when their small plane fell from the sky near the coast.

Six lives were lost on June 8, 2025, when a twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed into the ocean near Point Loma, a coastal neighborhood in San Diego. Among the deceased were the pilot and his wife, Landon and Torrie Baldwin, whose deaths have shaken a close-knit community and left two young children orphaned.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were no survivors after the plane plunged into the Pacific Ocean around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday as it was making its way back to Phoenix, having flown out of Arizona the day before.

The incident happened approximately five miles off the Point Loma peninsula, where search teams later found a field of wreckage in waters roughly 200 feet deep.

While the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are still investigating what led to the crash, several details indicate that the flight encountered trouble right after it took off.

According to audio from LiveATC.net and radar data from FlightAware, Landon reported to air traffic controllers that he was having difficulty maintaining altitude and heading.

Although advised to ascend to 4,000 feet, the pilot indicated that the plane was only about 1,000 feet above sea level and continued to struggle. The aircraft then turned toward the shore twice before flying back over the ocean.

Air traffic controllers then told him to land at a nearby U.S. naval airport on Coronado Island. But Landon said he couldn't see the airport. Soon after, he repeatedly called out "Mayday," and then disappeared from the radar.

According to flight records, the aircraft belonged to Optimal Health Systems, a company based in Pima, Arizona. However, the firm clarified that it had sold the plane to a group of private individuals in 2023 and that the FAA database may have contained outdated ownership details.

The pilot and his wife were identified by Landon's sister. Both were in their 20s and lived in Safford, Arizona. Sadly, they leave behind two children, both under five years old.

Also on board, according to multiple reports, was a father from the Gila Valley and his three adult sons.

An eyewitness named Tyson Wislofsky, who was surfing nearby at the time, described the aircraft's final moments to NBC 7. He said the plane emerged from the clouds at an angle and briefly climbed back into the sky.

"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.

Meanwhile, aviation expert Robert Katz, a pilot with 43 years of experience, analyzed the incident and shared his opinion on what could've been the contributing factor.

"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 expert explained.

He also stated that based on cockpit images, the plane was well-equipped, and he did not suspect a mechanical failure.

Furthermore, the expert told NBC 7 that he believed if there had been an engine malfunction, the pilot would have reported it immediately. This is because the effort needed to control an aircraft increases when an engine fails in a twin-engine plane.

Now, the community in Pima has expressed profound sorrow, as many knew the Baldwins personally. Doug Grant, the founder of Optimal Health Systems, said in a statement that he was acquainted with several people flying that day.

"Our sincerest condolences are offered to those affected by the tragedy, all of whom are incredible members of our small community," he added.

Moreover, friends and family are mourning the young couple remembered for their faith, love, and vibrant personalities. Landon is described by his cousin by marriage, Kirsten Baldwin, as an avid flyer who dreamed of making aviation a career and was deeply committed to his family.

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."

She described Torrie as "bright, loving, and selfless," recalling her as the life of every event and a woman whose presence made others feel uplifted.

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."

Tasia also thanked Landon for being her husband's "brother by choice" and said their love had left a lasting mark on their lives.

As the NTSB and FAA continue their investigation, the Arizona community mourns all six lives lost in this plane crash. We offer our condolences to all their loved ones during this difficult time.