Crash of a Socata TBM-700 in Moulins

Date & Time: May 13, 2002 at 1538 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N700AR
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Clermont-Ferrand - Moulins
MSN:
023
YOM:
1991
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2100
Captain / Total hours on type:
35.00
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft was completing an aerial photography flight from Clermont-Ferrand, carrying one passenger and one pilot. On final approach to Moulins-Montbeugny Airport runway 08, at a speed of 85 knots, the pilot estimated that the nose-up attitude of the aircraft was excessive and increased engine power. The aircraft rolled to the left, causing the left wing tip to struck the runway surface. Out of control, the aircraft impacted the ground, lost its undercarriage and slid fo 95 metres before coming to rest, bursting into flames. Both occupants escaped uninjured and fire brigade arrived 15 minutes later. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Probable cause:
It was reported that the approach was completed with the engine at reduced power. It was not possible to determine if the engine was running at 'full reduced power' or at a minimum of 10% of torque as preconized by the manufacturer. During an approach completed with an engine at 'full reduced power', the full power can be obtained only after a period of five seconds.
Final Report:

Crash of a Socata TBM-700 in Denver: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 26, 2001 at 0719 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N300WC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Denver – Santa Monica
MSN:
82
YOM:
1993
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1024
Captain / Total hours on type:
136.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5139
Circumstances:
The airplane was fueled to capacity and placed in a heated hangar about one hour before departure. The instrument rated pilot obtained a weather briefing, filed an IFR flight plan, and obtained an IFR clearance. Low ceiling, reduced visibility, and ice fog prevented control tower personnel from observing the takeoff. Radar (NTAP) and on-board GPS data indicated the airplane began drifting to the left of runway centerline almost immediately after takeoff. The airplane made a climbing left turn, achieving a maximum altitude of 7,072 feet and completing 217 degrees of turn, before beginning a descending left turn. The airplane impacted terrain on airport property. Autopsy/toxicology protocols were unremarkable. There was no evidence of preimpact failure/malfunction of the airframe, powerplant, propeller, or flight controls. The autopilot and servos, pitot-static system, and flight instruments were tested and all functioned satisfactorily. The pilot's shoulder harness was found attached to the seatbelt, but the male end of the seatbelt buckle was broken.
Probable cause:
The pilot's spatial disorientation, which led to his failure to maintain aircraft control. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to intentionally fly into known adverse weather that consisted of low ceilings, obscuration, and ice fog.
Final Report: