Pilot Landon Baldwin and His Wife, Torrie Baldwin, Die in San Diego Coast Plane Crash
A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the Southern California aviation community as Pilot Landon Baldwin and his wife, Torrie Baldwin, were confirmed to have died in a devastating plane crash off the coast of San Diego.
The small private aircraft, a single-engine Piper Malibu, went down in the waters near the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve late Saturday afternoon. The flight, believed to be a short personal journey, ended in disaster just minutes after takeoff from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Emergency services responded quickly after witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling before spiraling into the ocean. Despite rapid search and rescue efforts, both Landon and Torrie were pronounced dead at the scene.
Landon Baldwin, 42, was an experienced pilot with over a decade of flying under his belt. Known among fellow aviators for his precision, calm under pressure, and deep passion for aviation, Landon had built a reputation as both a skilled pilot and a generous mentor. He had flown humanitarian missions, helped teach new pilots, and was considered by many a “pilot’s pilot.” His dedication to the skies was matched only by his devotion to his family.
Torrie Baldwin, 38, was described by friends and family as a radiant soul with a heart for others. A former nurse turned wellness coach, she spent her days uplifting people—whether through her work, her presence, or her social media posts that often encouraged self-love, strength, and resilience. Torrie had been married to Landon for nearly 14 years. The two were inseparable, known for their shared love of travel, adventure, and their deep faith.
“They were soulmates in every sense of the word,” said Jenna Morales, a close friend of the couple. “You could feel their love just being around them. This loss is devastating, not just for their families, but for everyone who ever had the joy of knowing them.”
The couple is survived by their two young children, ages 9 and 6. Family members have requested privacy as they navigate the immense grief of this sudden loss, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to support the children’s future.
As federal investigators from the NTSB and FAA begin their inquiry into the cause of the crash, early indications point to possible mechanical failure. A full report is expected in the coming months.
For now, the community mourns. Tributes have poured in on social media, with dozens of pilots, healthcare workers, friends, and strangers sharing how Landon and Torrie touched their lives.
In the words of one tribute:
“Some lights burn so bright, even in their sudden darkness, the warmth remains. Landon and Torrie were that light for so many.”
Their story, though tragically cut short, is one of love, passion, and impact. They flew together—and now, they rest together.
