1985 Socata TB-20 Trinidad: A Low-Time Cross-Country Performer Going to Auction

The 1985 Socata TB-20 Trinidad, serial number 487 and registered as N68KD, is a prime example of a well-maintained, low-time aircraft built for performance and comfort. With only 204 hours since major overhaul (SMOH) on the engine and the same time since prop overhaul (SPOH), this aircraft stands out in today’s pre-owned market for buyers looking for a dependable cross-country platform. This Socata Trinidad has been under the care of the same Midwest owner for 25 years, receiving thoughtful upgrades including a full repaint, new thicker door windows, and a stylish executive interior. It will be available for bidding at auction from July 30 to August 6, 2025, through Airspace Auctions, starting at $80,000, with a 6% buyer premium and $3,000 deposit required.

History of the Socata TB-20 Trinidad

The Socata TB series emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as France’s answer to the American general aviation scene dominated by aircraft like the Piper Arrow, Cessna 182RG, and Beechcraft Sierra. The TB-20 Trinidad, in particular, was developed by SOCATA (Société de Construction d’Avions de Tourisme et d’Affaires), a subsidiary of Aérospatiale, later merged into the Daher group. TB stands for “Tarbes Built,” referencing the factory’s location in southern France.

SOCATA’s goal was to offer a high-performance single-engine aircraft with modern lines, ample interior space, and refined aerodynamics. The TB-20 entered production in 1981, offering a fixed-gear version of the retractable TB-21 TC. The Trinidad quickly earned a reputation for being an ideal IFR cross-country platform, with 250 horsepower from a fuel-injected Lycoming engine and sleek, European styling.

With its forward-swinging canopy, gullwing doors, and ergonomic control layout, the Trinidad became a favorite among owner-pilots who valued both aesthetics and capability. Production continued into the early 2000s, with many examples still flying today, valued for their comfort, solid construction, and performance.

Use Cases: A Pilot’s Cross-Country Workhorse

The TB-20 Trinidad is ideal for IFR cross-country flights, flight training, and personal or business travel. Its combination of range (approximately 1,200 nautical miles), useful load (over 1,080 pounds), and cruise speed (152 knots at 12.5 GPH) positions it squarely between legacy singles and entry-level high-performance retractables. The roomy cabin, four-seat configuration, and advanced avionics make it appealing to professional pilots, physicians, engineers, and other technical professionals who want comfort without stepping up to twin ownership.

For owners who fly from the Midwest to the coasts or across mountain ranges, the Trinidad’s performance and stability in IFR conditions make it a serious consideration.

Airframe

This particular airframe, serial number 487, has accumulated 2,461 total hours since new. It has been kept in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, a testament to the long-term ownership by a single Midwest-based pilot. The airframe was stripped and repainted in 2021, revealing clean metal and ensuring no hidden corrosion issues. The aircraft has no known corrosion and no missing logbooks, providing peace of mind for the next owner.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,943 pounds, useful load of 1,083.3 pounds, and 86 gallons of fuel capacity, it offers excellent flexibility for passengers, baggage, and long legs.

The November 18, 2024, Annual ensures it will be current and ready for the next owner to fly away shortly after purchase.

Engine

Powering this TB-20 is a Lycoming IO-540-C4D5D engine rated at 250 horsepower. The engine was overhauled by Signature Engines, Inc. on October 20, 2018, and has accumulated only 204 hours SMOH since then. That qualifies this engine as low-time, offering years of reliable service ahead before the next overhaul window approaches.

The IO-540 is known for its reliability and is widely used in both retractable and fixed-gear high-performance singles. Paired with the Trinidad airframe, it provides excellent climb and cruise performance, even at higher altitudes.

Propeller

This aircraft features a Hartzell HC-C2YK-1BF two-blade constant-speed propeller, also overhauled on October 20, 2018, by Northwest Propeller Service, Inc. The propeller has accumulated 204 hours SPOH, in sync with the engine, offering an equally low-time setup.

Blade serials F53314 and F53775, paired with model number F8477-4, contribute to a quiet and smooth flight experience, especially with the added benefit of new thicker door windows that were installed in 2024 for cabin sound dampening.

Avionics

N68KD is fully IFR-capable, equipped with a factory IFR package and IFR certified as of September 2024. The avionics suite blends modern digital instruments with legacy redundancy for confident flight in all weather.

Avionics List:

• Dual Garmin GI-275 (digital flight instruments with Bluetooth)
  
• Garmin GNX-375 GPS/Transponder with ADS-B In & Out
  
• Garmin GMU-11
  
• Bendix King KR87 ADF
  
• JPI EDM-930 Engine Monitoring (branded Bendix King 930)
  
• Bendix King AeroPanel 100 with Bluetooth (PS Engineering PM8000 series)
  
• Bendix King KX-64 DME
  
• KAP 100 Autopilot
  
• STEC 60 PSS Autopilot with Altitude/VS Hold & GS Intercept
  
• Dual KX-155 Radios (Overhauled in 2021)
  
• Clock, chronometer, multiple USB charging ports
  
• Traditional six-pack: Airspeed, Altimeter, DG, VSI, Turn Coordinator, Compass
  

This well-rounded stack is ideal for modern IFR flying while still offering redundancy and analog references. With Bluetooth connectivity, pilots can interface with tablets and apps, making EFB integration seamless.

Interior

The interior of this Trinidad reflects care and recent upgrades. The executive-style cabin features blue leather seats, a matching blue headliner and carpet, and a rear-seat center console for additional comfort and storage. The four-seat layout makes it perfect for weekend trips or business flights, giving passengers plenty of legroom and visibility thanks to the aircraft’s expansive canopy-style doors and side windows.

In 2024, the aircraft was upgraded with new thicker door windows, contributing to cabin quietness and thermal insulation—key benefits for longer flights.

Exterior

The exterior is clean, polished, and modern. Finished in white with red and blue accents, the 2021 repaint was a full strip and respray—not a cosmetic touch-up. This not only enhances the aircraft’s ramp appeal but also confirms the airframe was found to be free of corrosion beneath the paint.

A Bruce’s canopy cover, sunshades, and a factory gust lock and tow bar are included, which further indicate careful storage and operation habits by the long-time owner.

Additional Features

This TB-20 comes with a suite of extras that make it ready for both immediate flying and longer-term ownership:

• Bruce’s canopy cover with aircraft registration number
  
• Control lock
  
• Sun shades
  
• Factory tow bar and gust lock
  
• Miscellaneous Socata-specific small parts
  
• No logbook gaps, no known corrosion
  
• Minor incident history in the 1990s, fully documented and resolved
  

Additionally, the Hobbs meter was changed out and now reads 1,079 hours, with all related logs maintained for continuity.

Auction Information

Aircraft: 1985 Socata TB-20 Trinidad
Registration: N68KD
Serial Number: 487
Seats: 4
Category: Normal
Location: Bentonville, AR
Auction Dates: July 30 – August 6, 2025

Starting Bid: $80,000
Buyer Premium: 6%
Deposit Required: $3,000

Summary 

This 1985 Socata TB-20 Trinidad represents a rare opportunity to own a low-engine and low-prop time aircraft with solid avionics, a comfortable interior, clean logs, and a corrosion-free airframe. With just 204 SMOH/SPOH, a recent paint job, and modern avionics like dual GI-275s, ADS-B, and a dual autopilot system, this aircraft is ready for long cross-country flying with minimal upfront investment.

Whether you’re stepping up from a trainer or looking for a capable IFR cruiser, N68KD delivers exceptional value and performance in a stylish European design.

Don’t miss your chance to bid on this low-time Socata Trinidad—a meticulously maintained aircraft that blends European engineering with American practicality. With its fresh paint, executive interior, and upgraded avionics, N68KD is ready to depart with a new owner who values performance, reliability, and timeless design.

Specifications and/or descriptions are provided as introductory information only and do not constitute representations or warranties. Verification of specifications remains the sole responsibility of the purchaser.