Deadly San Diego Plane Crash: NTSB Releases Incident Report After 6 Lost At Sea

SAN DIEGO, CA — The preliminary cause behind the light aircraft collision that killed six people on board one month ago was released Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board shared in its preliminary accident report.

In early June, the crash occurred when the pilot abruptly descended "hundreds of feet for unknown reasons and then climbed back up almost as far before plunging into the ocean," according to the NTSB.

The pilot, Landon Baldwin, 28, of Pima, Arizona, was flying the twin-engine Cessna 414A toward San Diego when he radioed that he was having trouble maintaining a controlled heading and gaining altitude.

Minutes later, at about 12:30 p.m., the business plane went down into the sea about two miles west of Point Loma, according to the NTSB.

The crash killed Landon Baldwin, and everyone on board, including Baldwin's pregnant 25-year-old wife, Torrie; fellow Arizona resident Jeremy Bingham, 48; and Bingham's three sons, Ayden, 21; Bailey, 27; and Gavin, 25.

The report does not include a ruling on the cause of the crash, but it does recount the events leading up to the incident.

The victims' bodies and most of the wreckage of the plane remain missing, according to the federal agency, lost at sea.

What Happened Before the Crash:

Pilot Landon Baldwin flew his group of passengers from Arizona to California on June 7. He was returning them to Phoenix and had just taken off from San Diego International Airport when he began having difficulty controlling the aircraft.

Minutes earlier, as the plane flew over the coastline of San Diego, an air traffic controller instructed Baldwin to make a 180-degree left turn, the NTSB report states.

The Cessna began a gradual turn, and after climbing to about 2,000 feet, it made a sudden, steep descent to about 200 feet.

The controller issued a low-altitude alert to the pilot and instructed him to climb to 4,000 feet immediately, to which Baldwin replied by repeating the instructions, but nothing happened. The controller then asked Baldwin if he needed assistance and asked him what was the nature of the problem, and Baldwin replied that he was struggling to control the airplane.

In response, the controller told him the closest airport was about a mile away and asked Baldwin if he could see it. Baldwin answered that he could not and, as the aircraft made a series of "erratic" maneuvers. He issued several mayday calls before the plane went down, the report states.

A video camera on the ground captured images of the airplane descending, then climbing to roughly 1,800 feet and flying into a layer of the clouds, where it disappeared from view.

A short time later, the crew of a police helicopter flying about 10 miles east of the accident site received a request to search for any signs of an airplane hitting the water near where the Cessna had vanished.

There was just an oil slick in the water, and no sign of the craft.

Search crews later found scattered wreckage of the aircraft floating in a spot where the water is about 200 feet deep.

Late on the morning of June 10, the Coast Guard ended its search for the victims' bodies "pending further developments."

The recovery operations took place over about 300 square miles and lasted for roughly 35 hours. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the San Diego Harbor Police Department and city lifeguards.

A pilot who regularly flew the Cessna and was a friend of Baldwin family's told investigators that he had flown about 50 hours with him and accompanied him on four airport approaches in simulated instrument meteorological conditions, according to the NTSB document.

"He noted that (Baldwin) had expressed some nervousness about the busy Southern California airspace but appeared to be proficient during their review of the San Diego departure procedure," the report states.

Gone But Not Forgotten:

A family friend shared details of those lost in the GoFundMe fundraiser established to aid those left behind.

"Jeremy was a pillar of strength in both his family and community. He was selfless, hardworking, and endlessly generous-someone who would drop everything to help anyone in need.

Bailey was a loving new father, excited to celebrate his first Father's Day. He had a calm, patient soul with the biggest heart, he was always putting family and friends first.

Gavin was deeply driven and independent, yet incredibly soft-hearted. He made everyone feel loved and seen.

Ayden lit up every room with his energy. He was the life of the party whose positivity and laughter were contagious as he approached life with dedication and passion.

These four incredible men were taken far too soon, and their absence leaves a void that words cannot describe. This GoFundMe has been created to support the Bingham family as they face unimaginable grief and unexpected expenses. Please keep this beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers. We would like to thank you for your love and support during this painful time."

Thus far, over $35,000 has been raised for the families.

Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-the-bingham-family.

Related:

Victims of Fatal Plane Crash off Coast of San Diego ID'd

Plane With 6 People Aboard Crashes Off Coast Of Point Loma

Search Suspended For Victims Of Plane Crash Off Coast Of Point Loma