Pilot’s Haunting Last Words Before Fatal…

Tragic Plane Crash Off California Coast
A small plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on Sunday, killing all six aboard, including pilot Landon Baldwin, his pregnant wife Torrie, and a father from Arizona, Jeremy Bingham, with his three adult sons. The pilot’s last words were “mayday! mayday! mayday!” as he struggled to keep the plane flying. The crash happened just three miles from shore, shortly after takeoff around 12:30 p.m.

Final Moments and Emergency Calls
The pilot told air traffic control, “I’ve been ‘just struggling’ to fly to a higher altitude,” and later urgently called out “mayday” multiple times. The plane, a twin-engine Cessna, was traveling too low and was advised to land at a nearby Naval Air Station before crashing into the water. No survivors were found.

Remembering the Victims
Jeremy Bingham, a UPS driver described as “a pillar of strength in both his family and community,” died along with his sons—Bailey, Gavin, and Ayden. Each son was remembered lovingly: Bailey as a “loving new father,” Gavin as “deeply driven and independent,” and Ayden as “the life of the party.” Jeremy’s wife Stephanie and their youngest daughter survive him. Bailey’s wife Ashlyn, Ayden’s fiancée Camille, and their baby were left grieving as well.

The Pilot and His Family
Landon Baldwin and his wife Torrie, who coached local high school tennis and was “truly irreplaceable,” leave behind two young children. A fundraiser said, “Their lives were centered around their growing family… The heart of every gathering, always showing up for others.” Landon was remembered as “someone dependable, generous and full of quiet strength.” The plane was owned by a private group linked to an Arizona nutrition company, whose spokesperson expressed deep condolences.