Accident Overview
On March 29, 2025, about 1221 central daylight time, a Socata TBM700A airplane, registration N721MB, was destroyed when it struck trees and a residential home near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Path
According to Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data, the airplane departed from Naples Municipal Airport (APF), Florida, and flew to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Iowa. At DSM, the fixed-base operator manager reported the aircraft was refueled to full capacity. The airplane then departed for Anoka County/Blaine Airport (ANE), Minnesota.
Preliminary air traffic control information indicated the pilot contacted the ANE tower and reported inbound for the RNAV runway 9 instrument approach. The controller verified the pilot had current weather and issued a landing clearance. About 4 minutes later, a low-altitude alert was issued with no response. Another attempt 3 minutes later also went unanswered.
ADS-B data showed the airplane left DSM at 1112. Around 1206, it leveled at 3,000 ft mean sea level (msl) about 28 nautical miles (nm) southwest of ANE. At about 1220, 6 nm from the runway threshold while on the RNAV approach, the airplane began descending from 3,000 ft. At 5 nm from the threshold, beyond the final approach fix, airspeed and descent rate rapidly increased, accompanied by a left turn. The airplane struck trees and then a residential home, coming to rest about 340 ft northwest of the last ADS-B data point. A postimpact fire ensued, destroying both the airplane and the home.
A residential doorbell camera captured video showing the airplane in a steep descent with the nose pointed down and rotating about its longitudinal axis.
Weather Conditions
At 1149, ANE weather reported wind from 030° at 12 knots, visibility 10 miles or greater, overcast ceiling at 900 ft above ground level, temperature 3°C, dew point 2°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury. An Aviation Weather Center icing probability chart indicated a 50–60% icing probability at 3,000 ft msl at 1230 in the area of the accident flight path. A Graphical Airmen’s Meteorological Information for moderate icing and instrument flight rule conditions was active.
Wreckage and Examination
The main wreckage was located in the basement of the home, covered in debris. Broken tree limbs about 100 ft southeast showed angular cuts consistent with propeller strikes. Left wing fragments were found in trees and on the ground below. Separated airplane parts were found on the property and adjacent properties.
No mechanical anomalies were found with the airframe or engine during the onsite examination and wreckage layout. Damage was consistent with impact forces and postimpact fire. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to the center fuselage near the wing roots for aileron controls and near the aft wing spar for elevator and rudder controls. The flight control system was fragmented outboard of the wing roots and aft of the wing spar, consistent with impact forces. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.