Approach accident involving aircraft stall near runway

No fatalities • Kalispell-City, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a loss of airspeed during its final approach, leading to a stall and subsequent impact with terrain near the runway.

What happened

During the approach phase to the airport, the pilot noted that the aircraft was maintaining an excessive altitude. In an attempt to correct this, the pilot transitioned the engine power to idle. As the aircraft descended to approximately 40 feet above the runway surface, an airspeed caution alert was triggered. The pilot attempted to recover by increasing engine power, but the airspeed continued to decrease until a stall warning was activated.

Following the stall, the aircraft entered a left roll and struck the terrain located adjacent to the left side of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, and the wreckage subsequently slid into the airport apron. All occupants, including the pilot and passengers, successfully evacuated through the primary cabin door. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire that followed the impact.

Findings

According to reports from the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions or equipment failures present prior to the accident that would have prevented the aircraft from operating normally. The sequence of events was driven by the loss of airspeed following a reduction in engine power during the approach.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to reduce engine power to idle while too high resulted in a loss of airspeed and an aerodynamic stall.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-08-11 Socata TBM-850 accident near Kalispell-City, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a loss of airspeed during its final approach, leading to a stall and subsequent impact with terrain near the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 2025-08-11 Socata TBM-850 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-08-11 involved a Socata TBM-850, registration N860CA, operated by Meter Sky, at Kalispell-City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to reduce engine power to idle while too high resulted in a loss of airspeed and an aerodynamic stall.

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