What happened
On October 13, 2025, at approximately 0815 EDT, a Socata TBM 700C2, registration N111RF, was involved in an accident near Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The aircraft was operating as a private flight under Part 91 regulations, traveling from New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) to Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW).
After departing EWB at 0805, the pilot notified air traffic control of his intention to return to the airport. The pilot was cleared for a left downwind for runway 05 and subsequently cleared to land. During the approach, the pilot indicated he would descend and believed he could perform the approach despite ceilings of approximately 1,000 feet. Shortly after the controller provided a low altitude alert and the current altimeter setting, the pilot made an unintelligible exclamation, after which all radio communications ceased.
The aircraft struck trees approximately 3.6 nautical miles southwest of EWB, with the tops of the trees sheared off about 5 to 50 feet above the ground. The wreckage path traveled through a wooded area, across a highway off-ramp, and across Interstate 195 West. During the sequence, the aircraft struck an automobile on the interstate, causing minor injuries to the driver. The 2 fatal injuries were sustained by the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators found that the fuselage remained mostly intact but was buckled in several locations, and the right wing had completely separated from the airframe. Both wings sustained impact damage and portions were damaged by a post-impact fire. The engine remained partially attached to the airframe via mounts, cables, and hoses, showing impact damage but no signs of fire. The five-blade, constant speed, composite propeller sustained damage to all blades, which had separated from the hub near their roots.
Examination of the fuel system showed that the wing tanks were breached, though the fuel strainer bowl and screen were clear of obstructions and showed no signs of leaks or contamination. The aircraft's digital avionics suite, including both primary flight displays, remained installed with secure electrical connectors; these were retained for data download. While the main cabin door was found open by investigators, video evidence indicated the door was closed immediately following the accident.