News Summary
A devastating plane crash occurred shortly after takeoff from New Bedford Regional Airport, resulting in the deaths of Tom and Agatha Perkins. The aircraft, a Socata TBM 700, went down in a fiery explosion, leading to extensive emergency response efforts. Known for their roles in historic preservation through Kirby Perkins Construction, the couple’s tragic passing has deeply impacted the local community, raising questions about aviation safety in urban areas. Investigations into the crash are ongoing as friends and colleagues mourn their loss.
New Bedford, Massachusetts – Tom Perkins and his wife, Agatha, were confirmed as the victims of a plane crash that occurred shortly after their departure from New Bedford Regional Airport. The incident took place on October 13, 2025, around 8 AM, when their Socata TBM 700 aircraft went down and resulted in two fatalities and one injury.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the crash was particularly tragic due to its “fiery” nature, with footage from the scene showing extensive flames and wreckage. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but the couple did not survive the incident.
Tom Perkins was a partner in Kirby Perkins Construction, a Middletown-based firm known for its remarkable work in historic restoration and preservation. The company has garnered numerous awards over the past three decades for its commitment to restoring significant structures in the region. Perkins’ contributions to the construction industry and his firm’s projects have played a vital role in maintaining the historical integrity of buildings in the area.
Onlookers who witnessed the crash described it as a sudden and catastrophic event. Eyewitness reports indicate that the plane ascended briefly before descending rapidly, leading to the fiery explosion upon impact. The causes of the crash remain under investigation, with local and federal agencies working together to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Crash Details
The Socata TBM 700 aircraft is a single-engine turboprop, primarily used for business and private flights due to its speed and efficiency. Perkins and his wife had taken off from New Bedford Regional Airport, which serves as a regional hub for general aviation.
Casualties
In addition to the fatalities of Tom and Agatha Perkins, there was one reported injury. Specific details regarding the injured individual’s condition and the circumstances surrounding their injury have not yet been disclosed.
Community Impact
The news of the couple’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the local community. Friends, colleagues, and clients of Kirby Perkins Construction have expressed their sorrow, remembering Tom and Agatha as dedicated individuals deeply invested in their community and the work they did to preserve its heritage.
Background on Kirby Perkins Construction
Kirby Perkins Construction has established itself as a leader in environmental and historic restorations. Throughout its 30 years in business, it has received accolades for various significant projects, reestablishing historical sites that hold cultural value to the community. Principally operating in Middletown, the firm is well-respected in the construction industry for its attention to detail and quality in restoring and preserving important structures.
The tragic loss of Tom and Agatha Perkins not only impacts their families but also the community they served. As investigations into the crash continue, this devastating event has raised questions about safety and regulations concerning small aircraft operations, particularly in busy areas near urban settings.
As the community mourns the loss of the Perkins couple, their legacy in construction and dedicated efforts to historic preservation will be remembered by many for years to come. Support is being organized for their surviving family members, and it is anticipated that memorials will take place to honor their contributions.
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
