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2 fatalities

2009 Socata TB-20 In-Flight Breakup Near Pavo, Georgia (N654GT)

Pavo, GA, United States

On August 27, 2009, a SOCATA TB20 (registration N654GT) was involved in an aviation accident near Pavo, GA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, with embedded intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe to extreme turbulence, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing due to overstress. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

On August 27, 2009, a Socata TB-20, N654GT, broke up in flight near Pavo, Georgia, after encountering adverse weather. The pilot and passenger were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview and Flight History On August 27, 2009, at 1117 eastern daylight time, a Socata TB-20, N654GT, registered to RFM Technical Consulting LLC, broke up in flight near Pavo, Georgia, after encountering adverse weather. The accident resulted in the deaths of the certificated private pilot and a passenger, and the total destruction of the aircraft. The flight, operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, originated from Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) in Montgomery, Alabama, at 1001. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The aircraft was reported missing by family members on the evening of August 27 and was located by local authorities on August 28 at approximately 1400. No witnesses to the accident were identified. Family members indicated that the pilot was en route to North Perry Airport (HWO) in Hollywood, Florida. Radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the aircraft on a southeast heading at 3,400 feet mean sea level (msl). At 1111, the aircraft turned to a due east heading. At 1115, it began a 180-degree turn to the west while maintaining 3,400 feet msl, and at 1117, the aircraft was lost from radar.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome
Structural failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Aug 2009 SOCATA TB20 accident near Pavo, GA?

On August 27, 2009, a Socata TB-20, N654GT, broke up in flight near Pavo, Georgia, after encountering adverse weather. The pilot and passenger were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Aug 2009 SOCATA TB20 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 2009 involved a SOCATA TB20, registration N654GT, at Pavo, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, with embedded intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe to extreme turbulence, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing due to overstress.

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