2012 Gold Hill Socata TB21 Accident (N2528N)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On June 25, 2012, at 0421 EDT, a 1989 Socata TB21, registration N2528N, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Gold Hill Airport (NC25) in Gold Hill, North Carolina. The certificated private pilot was fatally injured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 with an IFR flight plan filed for a personal flight to Lancaster Airport (LNS) in Pennsylvania. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, with fog reported in the area. The pilot had intended to fly to Germany with several fuel stops. He obtained an IFR clearance from the Washington FSS at 0347, with a void time of 0410. A witness observed the aircraft flying away from the airport, followed by smoke and the aircraft veering right before impacting trees. The aircraft was located in a field about 1/2 mile north of the airport at 0557.