# NTSB ERA10LA454: Cirrus Design SR22, N451TS, Acworth, GA, August 29, 2010

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 2010, 16:57 local (20:57 UTC)
- Place: Acworth, GA
- Coordinates: 34.049167, -84.764442
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0492&lon=-84.7644&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Enroute-descent: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 11, 2011
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA Atlanta FSDO, Cirrus Design Corporation, Teledyne Continental
- NTSB case key (mKey): 77128
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA10LA454
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/77128/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77128
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA454

## Probable cause

The pilots improper in-flight fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power during a descent due to fuel starvation.

## Findings

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

- [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid management (probable cause); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

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

- [Enroute-descent: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) (defining event); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md)
- [Enroute-descent: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 50 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md)
- [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 31 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: 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 certified flight instructor (CFI) and private pilot departed on an instructional flight with 24 gallons of fuel in both the left and right main fuel tank. The CFI could not recall which fuel tank was selected at takeoff; however, he stated that the private pilot was switching fuel tanks every 30 minutes during the flight. The airplane climbed up to 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl) and cruised at 75 percent power to their first destination airport, where they conducted eight touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings. They continued to the next destination airport at 3,500 feet msl and made one full stop landing, taxied back, conducted an engine run up and departed. They then climbed up to 3,500 feet msl en route to their home base and as they approached their destination (about 8 to 9 miles away), the engine lost power. The CFI took control of the airplane, instructed the student to turn on the alternate air, and he initiated the engine out procedures. The CFI turned and elected to perform a forced landing to a golf course fairway. The airplane collided with two trees on the landing roll and came to a stop. The CFI indicated that the total duration of the flight was 2 hours 28 minutes. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the left wing and fuselage received structural damage. The left main fuel tank was ruptured and no browning of vegetation was present under the left wing in indication there was likely no fuel in the tank prior to impact. The right fuel tank was not ruptured and 16 gallons of fuel was recovered from the fuel tank by recovery personnel. The data extracted from a multi function display flash card revealed the fuel used for the flight was 29.9 gallons. The flash card indicated the flight was 2 hours 7 minutes. Subsequently, a test run of the engine was performed with no anomalies noted.

## Factual narrative

On August 29, 2010, at 1657 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, N451TS, registered to Ellis Aviation LLC, and operated by Aero Atlantic Flight Center, experienced a total loss of engine power while descending in the vicinity of Acworth, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot receiving instruction were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The instructional flight was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed from Barwick LaFayette Airport (9A5), LaFayette, Georgia at 1615. The CFI stated the flight initially originated at Cobb County Airport-McCollum Field (RYY), Atlanta, Georgia. A preflight inspection was conducted and no anomalies were noted. The airplane had 24 gallons of fuel in both the left and right main fuel tanks. The CFI stated that they used 75 percent power in cruise flight and they changed fuel tanks every 30 minutes. The airplane departed RYY at 1430, with the pilot receiving instruction flying, and climbed to a cruising altitude of 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl). The airplane arrived at Dalton Municipal Airport (DNN), Dalton Georgia, at 1455, and conducted eight touch and go landings. The airplane departed DNN at 1530, and climbed to a cruising altitude of 3,500 feet msl en route to 9A5, arriving at 1550. The pilot made a full stop landing, taxied back to the active runway and completed an engine run up, before departing at 1615 to RYY. The CFI stated that prior to departing, the fuel gage indicated the left and right main fuel tanks contained 14 gallons of fuel each. The flight was at 3,500 feet until the CFI instructed the student to descend to 3,000 feet. They were about 8 to 9 miles west-northwest of RYY when the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. The CFI took control of the airplane and instructed the student to turn the alternate air on as he initiated the engine out procedures. The CFI turned the airplane to the right towards a golf course and assumed the best glide airspeed. He decided not to deploy the ballistic parachute and continued with a forced landing to the golf course. The airplane touched down on the fairway and struck two trees, before coming to a complete stop. Examination of the airplane on August 30, 2009, by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the right main fuel tank was intact and fuel was present. The left main fuel tank was ruptured and no fuel was present. There was no browning of vegetation under the left wing of the airplane. Recovery personnel drained 16 gallons of fuel from the right main fuel tank. The airplane was transported to a salvage company and the Multi-Function Display (MFD) compact flash card was removed and forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division for download. The flash card was in good condition and data were extracted normally from the device. Based on recorded informationthe fuel used started at 0.1 gallons. The maximum recorded value for fuel used was 29.9 gallons (16:55:44 EDT). The fuel used was then recorded at 0.0. The airplane propeller was repaired and the fuselage was strapped to a truck in preparation for an engine run. Fuel was hooked up to the left side fuel system and the aircraft battery was charged. The engine was started normally using the airframe electrical system. The engine was allowed to remain at idle power but an oil leak was observed and the engine was shut down. The engine was examined and it was determined that the standby alternator mounting flange had sustained damaged during the accident sequence and was leaking oil. Two quarts of oil were added to the oil sump and the engine was restarted. The engine power was advanced and a magneto check was preformed. The magneto drops were within the normal operating range. The engine power was advanced to 2,700 rpm, and 25 inches of manifold pressure. The oil pressure indicated 50 psi. The engine power was then reduced to idle power and the engine was shut down using the mixture control. Fuel calculations were computed for the flight using performance data from Section 5 of the SR22 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), fuel flow data provided by the pilot, and the outside air temperature at the time of the accident. According to the POH, the airplane has 1.5 gallons of un-usable fuel in each fuel tank. The engine will use 1.5 gallons of fuel for engine start, taxi and takeoff. The engine will use 1.3 gallons of fuel while climbing to cruise altitude. At 74 percent power, 29 degrees Celsius, and a pressure altitude of 4,000 feet the engine will use 18.5 gallons per hour. It was not determined how much fuel the engine would use for the eight touch and go landings. The engine would use 1.5 gallons of fuel for the one full stop landing and taxi back for takeoff, engine run-up and takeoff to its destination airport. In addition, it would use 1.3 gallons of fuel to climb to its cruise altitude. The pilot’s total estimated flying time was 2 hours 20 minutes. The total fuel required at a fuel rate of 18.5 gallons per hour in the left main fuel tank would be 47.41 gallons. The fuel remaining after changing fuel tank one time at a 30 minute interval would have been about 35.46 gallons. The MFD flash card indicates the pilot flew for 2 hours 7 minutes. The total fuel used was 29.9 gallons. The fuel required for the flight was about 46.25 gallons. If the fuel tank was changed one time at a 30 minute interval the fuel remaining would have been about 37 gallons. The operator stated the fuel burn rate for the airplane is about 14 to 15 gallons per hour. The same criteria were used except for a fuel use rate of 14 gallons per hour. The total fuel required at a fuel rate of 14 gallons per hour in the left main fuel tank would be 39.67 gallons. If the fuel was changed one time he would have 32.67 gallons of fuel remaining. The MFD flash card indicates the pilot flewfor 2 hours 7 minutes. The total fuel used at 14 gallons was 36.64 gallons. If he changed the fuel selector one time he would have 29.64 gallons of fuel remaining.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N451TS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N451TS-2014-08-28), registration cancelled 2014-08-28, S/N 0542, built 2003 (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 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-series) (registry code 17042, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0542
- Airframe hours: 3111
- Engines: CONT MOTOR IO-550N 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Aero Atlanta Flight Center
- Registered owner: Ellis Aviation LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 6, 2010, 153 hours before
- Departed: 9A5, LaFayette, GA
- Destination: RYY, Atlanta, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Flight instructor; age 31; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 23, 2010; seat: right; flight hours: 2,012 total, 310 in this make and model, 1,920 as pilot in command, 180 in the last 90 days, 68 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours
- Student pilot; age 44; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 11, 2010; seat: left; flight hours: 2,580 total, 8 in this make and model, 70 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.20 inHg
- Observed at: RYY, 8 nm away

## 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 20100829048089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100829048089A), Aug 29, 2010: Cirrus Desi SR22, Acworth, GA, Substantial damage. Arrived at the accident scene in Acworth, GA. Review of the scene indicates that the aircraft touched down on the 13th fairway of bent waters golf course…

## Docket (17 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 16, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77128. 20.9 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 637 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335776&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- FAA Inspector Statement (item 2, .PDF, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335788&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Master.PDF
- Salvage Company Statement Fuel (item 3, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335777&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Salvage%20Company%20Statement%20Fuel-Redacted.PDF
- Continental Engine Run (item 4, .PDF, 650 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336160&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Continental%20Engine%20Run-Redacted.PDF
- N451TS Hobbs Meter Sheet (item 5, .PDF, 101 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335778&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=N451TS%20Hobbs%20Meter%20Sheet-Master.PDF
- Aero Atlanta Flight Center Fuel Delivery Slip (item 6, .PDF, 41 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335779&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aero%20Atlanta%20Flight%20Center%20Fuel%20Delivery%20Slip-Redacted.PDF
- Extract Cirrus POH (item 7, .PDF, 563 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336161&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Extract%20Cirrus%20POH-Master.PDF
- NTSB Wreckage Release (item 8, .PDF, 30 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336797&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Wreckage%20Release-Redacted.PDF
- Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 9, .PDF, 69 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336162&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF
- Photo 1 View of initial touchdown point on golf course. Photo FAA (item 10, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335782&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20View%20of%20initial%20touchdown%20point%20on%20golf%20course.%20Photo%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 2 View of golf course fairway next to sand pit with airplane in background and initial left wing collision with a tree. Photo FAA (item 11, .PDF, 3.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335783&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20View%20of%20golf%20course%20fairway%20next%20to%20sand%20pit%20with%20airplane%20in%20background%20and%20initial%20left%20wing%20collision%20with%20a%20tree.%20Photo%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 3 Left side view of airplane. Note initial tree strike on leading edge of left wing and second tree strike with nose section. Photo FAA (item 12, .PDF, 3.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335784&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20Left%20side%20view%20of%20airplane.%20Note%20initial%20tree%20strike%20on%20leading%20edge%20of%20left%20wing%20and%20second%20tree%20strike%20with%20nose%20section.%20Photo%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 4 Left rear side view of airplane. Note no fuel browning of vegetation under the left wing. Photo FAA (item 13, .PDF, 3.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335785&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20Left%20rear%20side%20view%20of%20airplane.%20Note%20no%20fuel%20browning%20of%20vegetation%20under%20the%20left%20wing.%20Photo%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 5 View of lower left wing ruptured fuel tank. Photo FAA (item 14, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335786&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%20View%20of%20lower%20left%20wing%20ruptured%20fuel%20tank.%20Photo%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 6 Front view of airplane. Photo FAA (item 15, .PDF, 3.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40335787&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206%20Front%20view%20of%20airplane.%20Photo%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Cockpit Display(s) - Recorded Flight Data - Specialist's Factual Report (item 16, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336609&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Cockpit%20Display(s)%20-%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Master.PDF
- Cockpit Display(s) - Recorded Flight Data - Attachment 1 Tabular Data - (CSV Format) (item 17, .CSV, 172 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336610&FileExtension=.csv&FileName=Cockpit%20Display(s)%20-%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Attachment%201%20Tabular%20Data%20-%20(CSV%20Format)-Master.csv

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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