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

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.