Chilling Final Moments of Pilot’s Communication with Air Traffic Control Before California Plane Crash Revealed

The doomed flight a Cessna 414, was a pressurized, twin-engine model built for six to eight passengers. It had departed from San Diego International Airport on Sunday, destined for Phoenix. But just minutes after takeoff, trouble began.

Radio transmissions reveal the pilot’s growing distress; he was “struggling” to maintain altitude. He reported to air traffic control, his voice calm but the situation was worsening.

Controllers quickly noticed the aircraft was flying dangerously low. Twice, they urged the pilot to divert to Naval Air Station North Island, just a short distance away. But the situation was unraveling fast. “Mayday, mayday, mayday, mayday!” the pilot called out. Those words, recorded on LiveATC.net, marked his final transmission.

At around 12:30 p.m., the plane disappeared from radar and crashed into the ocean about five miles offshore. In the moments before impact, the pilot’s communication revealed a desperate battle to stay airborne as the aircraft slipped below safe altitude.

The final exchange between the pilot and air traffic control painted a tense picture of a flight in crisis. At around 1,000 feet, the controller instructed the pilot to climb to 4,000 feet immediately. The pilot acknowledged the command and said he was “trying.”

Concerned, the controller asked if assistance was needed. The pilot confirmed though he sounded increasingly strained. When pressed about the nature of the problem, the pilot said, “Ah, just struggling right now at the present trying to maintain…” the pilot said, his transmission breaking up mid-sentence.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the controller advised the pilot to stay above 2,000 feet. He also offered an alternate landing option. “The closest airport I can get you to is North Island airport, which is off your left in one mile. Do you see that?” he asked.

“Negative,” the pilot answered.

The controller repeated the guidance, now noting the airstrip was about three miles away. But it was too late. Shortly afterward, the pilot issued a final distress call. Then came silence, followed by the tragic crash into the ocean.

Shortly after the pilot’s final distress call, reports of a large splash off Sunset Cliffs began to surface. Nearby vessels alerted authorities, triggering an immediate emergency response.

Coast Guard boats and aircraft joined San Diego lifeguards in the search. Rescue teams scanned the waters from above and below, racing against time to find any sign of survivors.

By Sunday, lifeguards had located an oil sheen and fragments of debris — evidence confirming the plane had gone down. But despite a widespread effort, there were no signs of life. San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesperson Candace Hadley said the aircraft likely sank in waters more than 200 feet deep. Once that became clear, lifeguards were pulled from the operation.

As authorities searched the ocean for wreckage, the identities of the victims began to emerge. A GoFundMe page titled, In Loving Memory of the Bingham Family confirmed that Jeremy Bingham and his three sons — Bailey, Gavin, and Ayden — were among those aboard the aircraft.

Also on the plane were the pilot, Landon Baldwin, and his wife, Torrie. The couple, who lived in Arizona, were expecting their third child. They already had two young children under the age of five.

Family members described Landon as a passionate and responsible pilot. According to his cousin, Kirsten Baldwin, he had been working to turn flying into a full-time career. She recalled how devoted he was to his family and how committed he had been to aviation.

“We never would have thought that this would have happened,” she said, noting how careful he always was. “Something must have been horribly wrong.”

The loss of all six lives, including a pregnant mother, has left two families and entire communities grieving as investigators continue to search for answers. In the aftermath of the crash, heartfelt tributes have begun to surface from grieving family members.

Bailey, one of the passengers, was remembered fondly by his father-in-law. He described him as a devoted father to his young son, Carter, and a cherished member of the family.

The statement also honored Jeremy and his sons, noting their bright futures and the pride Jeremy took in his family. In closing, he offered words of comfort to his daughter Ashlyn. “I love you and Little man Carter, I will be there for you as time tries to heal the heart and the void Bailey will leave in all our lives!!!”

Obituaries released this week painted a portrait of a close-knit, loving family whose lives were cut tragically short. Jeremy, 48, was celebrated for his dedication and perseverance. Born in Morenci, Arizona, he drove trucks for UPS and was admired for his resilience and tireless work ethic. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and daughter, Kadie.

Bailey, 26, was remembered as a devoted husband and father, known for his warm spirit and reliability. A graduate of Thatcher High School and Eastern Arizona College, he worked as a Pest Control Technician and is survived by his wife, Ashlyn, and young son, Carter.

Gavin Bingham, 24, was described as a bright and driven young man with a passion for technology. He was a Thatcher High School and Eastern Arizona College graduate. He pursued a career as a computer analyst and was deeply cherished by those around him.

Ayden, 21, the youngest of the brothers, had just completed his associate’s degree in Applied Science from Mesa Community College. Known for his vibrance and kind heart, he was engaged to Camille Bryce and deeply loved by his family and friends.

A memorial service for all four members of the Bingham family is scheduled for June 14 at the Eastern Arizona College Football Field, where loved ones will gather to honor their memories.