Pilot Said He 'Should Be Okay' — Then Made 'Unintelligible Exclamation' Moments Before Crash That Killed Him and Wife

NTSB Preliminary Report Details Final Moments Before Dartmouth Plane Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report in late November describing the moments leading up to the Oct. 13 crash of a Socata TBM 700 on Interstate 195 near Exit 22 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The accident claimed the lives of pilot Thomas Perkins, 68, and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66.

According to the report, the aircraft departed New Bedford Regional Airport that morning en route to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Shortly after takeoff the pilot informed air traffic control he would return to the airport. The controller instructed him to enter a left downwind for the runway, and the pilot acknowledged the instruction, saying he did not need assistance and that the runway was clear.

The controller then asked whether the pilot preferred to fly an approach given reported ceilings near 1,000 feet or if he needed radar vectors. The pilot said he would descend and that he "should be okay." About a minute later the controller issued a low-altitude alert and provided an altimeter setting, which the pilot confirmed. Shortly afterward, the pilot made an "unintelligible exclamation," and no further communications were received from the aircraft.

The NTSB located the accident site approximately 3.6 nautical miles from New Bedford Regional Airport. Investigators found impact marks that clipped tree tops roughly 50 feet above ground. The wreckage path continued through a wooded area, across a highway off‑ramp and part of Interstate 195 West; the fuselage came to rest in the median between the westbound and eastbound lanes.

The airplane struck a vehicle on I-195 West during the crash sequence; that vehicle's driver sustained minor injuries. Wreckage examination showed significant damage to the wings — portions of which were consumed by a post‑impact fire — a damaged rudder, and breached wing fuel tanks. The fuselage was described as largely intact and was retained for further analysis.

Investigators noted the main cabin door was open when they arrived, though a witness video recorded shortly after the accident showed the door closed immediately after the crash. Both forward seats had separated from their mountings and remained inside the cabin. The NTSB said the wreckage will be preserved for additional examination as the investigation continues.

Local reporting and FAA records indicate Thomas Perkins, of Middletown, R.I., held a valid pilot certificate. His obituary states he was a partner in Kirby Perkins Construction and volunteered as a pilot for Angel Flight Northeast, which provides free air transportation for patients in need. He and Agatha are survived by two children and three grandchildren.

Investigation status: This is a preliminary NTSB report. Authorities are continuing their examination of the wreckage and data to determine probable cause.