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2012 Gold Hill Socata TB21 Accident (N2528N)

Gold Hill, NC, United States

On June 25, 2012, a SOCATA TB21 (registration N2528N) was involved in an aviation accident near Gold Hill, NC. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An inflight fire, the origin of which could not be determined because of postaccident fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper modifications to the airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Socata TB21, N2528N, crashed shortly after takeoff from Gold Hill Airport, NC, on June 25, 2012, killing the pilot. The flight was IFR in foggy conditions.

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.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect service/maintenance
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 2012 SOCATA TB21 accident near Gold Hill, NC?

A Socata TB21, N2528N, crashed shortly after takeoff from Gold Hill Airport, NC, on June 25, 2012, killing the pilot. The flight was IFR in foggy conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jun 2012 SOCATA TB21 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 2012 involved a SOCATA TB21, registration N2528N, at Gold Hill, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An inflight fire, the origin of which could not be determined because of postaccident fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper modifications to the airplane.

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