# NTSB CEN23LA017: Cirrus Design SR22, N25HW, Loveland, CO, October 23, 2022

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report
- Date: October 23, 2022, 17:05 local (23:05 UTC)
- Place: Loveland, CO · Fort Collins Airport
- Coordinates: 40.451816, -105.01132
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4518&lon=-105.0113&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 6 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA Flight Standards
- NTSB case key (mKey): 106178
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN23LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/106178/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106178
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA017

## Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control after encountering windshear while landing in a strong, gusting crosswind. Contributing was pilot’s decision to continue the landing with a 90-degree crosswind at 30 knots.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 94 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Wind: windshear](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034020/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 90 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034020/cases.md)
- [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md)
- [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 74 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 113 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane encountered low-level wind shear as it crossed the runway threshold while landing. He stated that as he was about to flare for landing, the airplane encountered a strong crosswind from the right causing it to drift toward the left side of the runway. He initiated a go-around; however, the engine made a “coughing” sound and lost power. ADS-B data revealed that, about 3 seconds after crossing the runway threshold, the airplane began drifting toward the left side of the runway. The final data point was recorded about 2 seconds later, as the airplane was about 10 ft from the left side of the runway. The airplane impacted the terrain and came to rest upright about 300 ft off the side of the runway and about 1,000 ft from the approach threshold. Postaccident airplane examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability of the engine to produce rated power. Flight control continuity was established from each control surface to the corresponding cockpit controls. At the time of the accident, the pilot encountered a 90° direct crosswind, gusting to 31 knots. The pilot’s operating handbook (POH) noted that the maximum allowable crosswind velocity depends on pilot capability and airplane limitations. However, demonstrated crosswind landings were limited to 20 knots.

## Factual narrative

On October 23, 2022, about 1705 mountain daylight time, a Cirrus SR-22 airplane, N25HW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Loveland, Colorado. The pilot and five passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the airplane encountered low-level wind shear crossing the runway threshold. As he was about to flare for landing, the airplane “got hit with [a] strong crosswind from the right” causing it to drift toward the left side of the runway. He reported that he initiated a go-around; however, the engine coughed and lost power. ADS-B data revealed the flight departed St. George Regional Airport (SGU), St. George, Utah, about 1406. The pilot proceeded on a northeast course toward the Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL), Loveland, Colorado, and climbed to an altitude of about 13,350 ft mean sea level. At 1705:27, the airplane crossed the runway 33 threshold at FNL. About 3 seconds later, the airplane began drifting toward the left side of the runway. The final ADS-B data point was recorded at 1705:32 about 10 ft from the left side of the runway pavement at that time. The airplane came to rest upright near the automated weather observing system (AWOS) installation located about 300 ft off the west edge of the runway and about 1,000 ft from the approach threshold. Both wings and the empennage were damaged during the impact sequence. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability of the engine to produce rated power. Flight control continuity was established from each control surface to the corresponding cockpit control. Engine data downloaded from the onboard avionics indicated that the cylinder head and exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) were stable with exception of the No. 3 cylinder EGT, which provided intermittent and erroneous data during portions of the flight. Shortly before the end of the data, the remaining engine parameters (e.g. fuel flow, manifold pressure, and oil pressure) increased over a span of about 4 seconds, and then decreased consistent with the runway excursion event. The most recent routine surface weather observation was recorded about 9 minutes before the accident. At that time, the wind was from 060° at 19 knots, gusting to 27 knots. When the tower controller cleared the pilot to land, about 2 minutes before the accident, he advised the pilot that the wind was from 060° at 30 knots. At 2305, the AWOS recorded wind from 060° at 23 knots, gusting to 31 knots. A similar wind observation recorded one minute later, recorded the wind from 060° at 26, gusting to 31 knots. The pilot’s operating handbook (POH) noted that the maximum allowable crosswind velocity depends on pilot capability and airplane limitations. Landings in a 20-knot direct crosswind had been demonstrated according to the POH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N25HW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25HW), registered now, S/N 2021, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
- Registry model: [Cirrus Design SR22](https://openairdocs.org/model/cirrus-design-sr22) (registry code 2130001) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-550-N](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-n) (registry code 17215, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2021
- Year built: 2006
- Airframe hours: 1211
- Engines: Continental IO-550-N 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 2022, 201 hours before
- Departed: SGU, St. George, UT
- Destination: FNL, Loveland, CO
- Airport: FNL, Northern Colorado Regional, runway 33, 8,500 × 100 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Electronic multifunction display, Auto-pilot, Airframe parachute, ADS-B, Stall warning system, Electronic primary flight display

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 20, 2020; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 591 total, 117 in this make and model, 276 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 82 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 23 knots, gusting 31
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 29.42 inHg
- Observed at: KFNL
- METAR: METAR KFNL 232305Z 06023G31KT 10SM FEW038 BKN070 OVC090 11/
M03 A2942

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20221023018989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20221023018989A), Oct 23, 2022: Cirrus Design Corp SR22, Loveland, CO, Substantial damage. On October 23, 2022 at 1705 mountain time, a Cirrus SR-22 landed in the grass and to the left of runway 33 at Northern Colorado regional airport (kfnl).…

## Docket (13 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 14, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106178. 36.2 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17321399&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Report%20--%20CEN22LA017_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Airplane examination summary (item 2, PDF, 4 pages, 136 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17321419&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Examination%20Summary%20--%20CEN23LA017-Rel.pdf
- Maintenance records -- airframe (item 3, PDF, 3 pages, 7.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17321113&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20--%20Airframe_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Maintenance records -- engine (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17321123&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20--%20Engine_redacted-Rel.pdf
- ADS-B data file (item 5, CSV, 13.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17321253&FileExtension=csv&FileName=ADSB%20Data%20File%20--%20CEN23LA017-Rel.csv
- Cockpit displays recorded flight data - specialist's factual report (item 6, PDF, 15 pages, 6 photos, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17441682&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Cockpit%20Displays%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Rel.pdf
- Cockpit displays recorded flight data - attachment 2 (MFD data) (item 7, CSV, 222 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17441787&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Cockpit%20Displays%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Attachment%202%20(MFD%20Data)-Rel.csv
- Cockpit displays recorded flight data - attachment 3 (GPS track) (item 8, KML, 81 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17441692&FileExtension=kml&FileName=Cockpit%20Displays%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Attachment%203%20(GPS%20track)-Rel.kml
- Cockpit displays recorded flight data - attachment 1 (PFD data) (item 9, CSV, 3.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17440907&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Cockpit%20Displays%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Attachment%201%20(PFD%20Data)-Rel.csv
- Surface weather observations -- northern Colorado regional airport (kfnl) / 23 oct 2022 (item 10, PDF, 2 pages, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17447434&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WxHist%20--%20KFNL_23Oct2022-Rel.pdf
- One-minute wind data -- kfnl / 23OCT2022 (item 11, PDF, 70 pages, 359 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17444603&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=One-Minute%20Wind%20Data%20--%20KFNL_23Oct2022-Rel.pdf
- Pilot operating handbook (excerpt) -- normal procedures/landing (item 12, PDF, 2 pages, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17444261&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Cirrus%20SR22%20POH%20--%20Landing-Rel.pdf
- Airplane fueling information (item 13, PDF, 2 pages, 127 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17447883&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fueling%20Information%20--CEN23LA017_redacted-Rel.pdf

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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