Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS SR22 near The Hammocks, FL — 2022-03-01

Final reportERA22LA151
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Date
2022-03-01
Location
The Hammocks, FL, USA
Aircraft
CIRRUS SR22
Registration
N21EU
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate altitude above obstacles, which resulted controlled flight into a powerline.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was flying about 700 ft above ground level (AGL), then noticed that the airplane had descended “well below 500 ft.” He could see a pump station ahead with powerlines crossing the waterway and stated, “I’m too low.” He was traveling about 170 kts when he pulled back to climb and heard a “thud.” The airplane continued flying, but the pilot had limited rudder control. He returned to the departure airport and landed uneventfully; however, he noticed that the rudder was missing from the airplane. He stated that he looked up the pump station address and drove over to find the rudder laying in the grass near the powerlines. The rudder had impacted the powerline and separated from the airplane, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported that the airplane had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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