A devastating accident involving a twin-engine Cessna 414 occurred near Point Loma, a peninsula located in San Diego, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board on Sunday afternoon. The small aircraft had taken off from San Diego International Airport and was heading towards Phoenix, Arizona.
Shortly after departure, pilot Landon Baldwin communicated engine issues in a distress call to air traffic control. Cockpit audio recorded his voice as he tried to return for a landing at North Island Navy Station. Despite receiving clearance to land, he issued a haunting “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” just minutes later.
Air traffic control advised Baldwin to ascend to 4,000 feet after the aircraft remained at a mere 1,000 feet above the water. Shortly thereafter, communication was lost.
The aircraft was formerly owned by Optimal Health Services and was transferred to a private individual in 2023. Doug Grant, the company’s founder, expressed his sincere condolences, referring to the victims as “remarkable members of our close-knit community.”
Eyewitness Tyson Wislofsky recounted observing the jet as it descended, momentarily ascended, and then nosedived into the ocean. “There was complete silence following the splash,” he remarked, highlighting the gravity of the incident.
Investigations into the cause of the tragic accident are ongoing by the authorities.
