Mary F. Silitch

Socata TBM 700, Lancaster, Calif., Dec. 27, 2005–The new owner of TBM N198X was receiving instruction from a CFI/ATP-rated pilot when the airplane crashed on short final approach to Runway 6 at General William J. Fox Airfield (WJF) in VMC.
The right wing separated from the airframe on impact and the TBM caught fire and was substantially damaged. Both pilots received minor injuries. After maneuvers at altitude, the CFI told the owner to perform a simulated engine-out approach to WJF. The owner reduced engine power to between 8 and 10 percent torque, and the airplane glided toward the airport.
The owner entered a close-in downwind for Runway 6 and was cleared to land. The CFI told the owner to make a “left circle base to the runway.” Lowering the landing gear, the owner asked the CFI if they could glide all the way to the runway.
The CFI said that the airplane was in position to make the landing and told the owner to maintain 90 knots airspeed. During the circling approach, as the airplane turned from base onto approach, the CFI told the owner, “Don’t bank.” The owner rolled the wings level. Immediately thereafter, the left bank began a second time and the CFI again said, “Don’t bank.” The owner replied, “I’m not.”
Neither pilot recalled hearing the stall warning horn or recalled the airplane’s buffeting.
The CFI applied engine power and right rudder. The airplane stopped rolling left, and then rolled into a right bank, whereupon the right wing hit the ground. At no time did the CFI direct his student to release the airplane’s flight controls.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Factual Report: TBM instructional flight ends with uncommanded banking

Socata TBM 700, Lancaster, Calif., Dec.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Pilot died of cardiac arrest during the flight

NTSB: Pax Safely Lands King Air after Pilot Collapsed

Vehicle also struck parked ground-support tractor; there were no injuries

Teen Driver Breaches Fence, Hits PlaneSense PC-12 at KPSM

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Six fatal accidents resulted in 22 fatalities in the quarter

NBAA Report Flags Powerplant, Collision Risks in Q2 Data

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Twenty years ago, a business jet and commerical airliner collided; the smaller airplane survived

Remembering a Solemn Anniversary: the Amazon Midair 

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, September 2026

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: September 2026

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

More In Accidents

NTSB: Pax Safely Lands King Air after Pilot Collapsed

Pilot died of cardiac arrest during the flight

Teen Driver Breaches Fence, Hits PlaneSense PC-12 at KPSM

Vehicle also struck parked ground-support tractor; there were no injuries

NBAA Report Flags Powerplant, Collision Risks in Q2 Data

Six fatal accidents resulted in 22 fatalities in the quarter

Remembering a Solemn Anniversary: the Amazon Midair

Twenty years ago, a business jet and commerical airliner collided; the smaller airplane survived

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: September 2026

Preliminary and final accident reports, September 2026

NTSB Cites Heliport Misidentification in Aug. 2025 Crash

Captain opted out of instrument approach over autopilot concerns

Fire of Unknown Origin Led to 2024 Citation X Accident

NTSB: Ignition source could not be conclusively identified

NTSB: Bell 206L Damage Caused by Aeroelastic Interaction

Helicopter experienced a vertical hop for which the pilot didn’t know the recovery procedure

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN