Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 near Nacogdoches, TX — 2010-12-16

Final reportCEN11LA112
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Date
2010-12-16
Location
Nacogdoches, TX, USA
Aircraft
CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Registration
N422MR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was in cruise flight when the airplane’s propeller began to surge and the engine power dropped to near idle. The pilot adjusted the throttle, selected another fuel tank, and activated the electric fuel boost pump, to no avail. The pilot saw an airport nearby, so he cancelled his instrument flight rules flight plan and set up the airplane’s best glide to that airport. During the glide, the pilot tried unsuccessfully to restart the engine. About 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot realized that he was not going to reach the airport and activated the airplane’s ballistic parachute. Seconds later, the airplane impacted trees before coming to rest inverted on the ground. The pilot reported that he smelled fuel when he exited the airplane. Postaccident testing of the airplane‘s engine did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a precautionary landing earlier when engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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