Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 near Idabel, OK — 2010-08-16

Final reportCEN10LA483
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Date
2010-08-16
Location
Idabel, OK, USA
Airport
4O4
Aircraft
CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Registration
N513CM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight, the pilot detected a change in engine sound, followed by a muffled explosion and a total loss of engine power. He declared an emergency and received vectors to the nearest airport. When he realized he was not going to be able to glide to the airport, he deployed the ballistic parachute. The parachute opened properly and the airplane landed in a field. According to downloaded data from the Primary and Multi-Function Displays, about 1 minute after departure the current from alternator 1 began fluctuating, and 10 minutes later the current began to fluctuate again but at a slower rate. Approximately 45 minutes after departure, there was a sharp reduction in exhaust gas temperature and rpms, fuel flow decreased, and the airplane began descending at a rate between 1000 and 2000 feet per minute and at an airspeed between 100 and 130 knots. About 7 minutes later, the airplane experienced a sharp negative longitudinal acceleration at 800 feet pressure altitude. The engine was functionally tested after the accident and operated at various power settings, including full power, and no anomalies were noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have declared an emergency sooner after initial engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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