NTSB: TBM 700 Crashed while Maneuvering for Landing

The preliminary accident report shows a series of autopilot engagements and disengagements

NTSB track of accident flight — This image from the NTSB's preliminary accident report shows the flight of the ill-fated TBM.

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

May 7, 2024

The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the March 30 crash of a Daher TBM 700 in California, which claimed the lives of the pilot and passenger. The accident occurred while the single-engine turboprop was maneuvering in IMC to land at Truckee Tahoe Airport (KTRK) and followed a series of autopilot activations and deactivations, according to the NTSB’s preliminary report.

Flying under Part 91 IFR, the aircraft was returning to KTRK from Denver’s Centennial Airport. The flight was uneventful until the airplane reached the final approach fix. The TBM 700 passed over the final approach fix, and FAA ADS-B data showed that, immediately thereafter, the autopilot's approach mode was turned on and the altitude hold (ALT Hold) was turned off. Some 20 seconds after passing over the visual descent point at about 121 knots and 6,475 feet msl, ADS-B data shows the aircraft passed over the missed approach point at 6,200 feet msl and 100 knots and continuing until abeam the runway identifier numbers (about 1,300 feet east).

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.