Pilot Debrief

Cirrus SR22 near Midland, TX — 2018-10-12

Final reportCEN19LA002
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Date
2018-10-12
Location
Midland, TX, USA
Aircraft
Cirrus SR22
Registration
N729TG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to excessive fuel flow.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger departed on a cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane. Shortly after takeoff and about 500 ft above ground level, the engine "surged." The pilot turned the airplane back toward the airport; however, the engine lost power. The pilot recognized the airplane would not make it back to the airport, so he deployed the airplane's parachute. The airplane descended under the parachute into a parking lot and impacted a parked automobile, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The engine examination and test run noted that the engine fuel flow was high and above specified engine and airframe manufacturers' limits. Data from the airplane's data monitor also indicated that the airplane engine's fuel flow was high on the accident flight and on previous flights, although the maximum fuel flow recorded varied. A review of maintenance records revealed that the engine manifold pressure and fuel flow were adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance manual about 3 months before the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine surge.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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