# NTSB ERA16LA040: Cirrus Design SR22, N334CM, Jefferson, NC, November 13, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 13, 2015, 09:10 local (14:10 UTC) - Place: Jefferson, NC - Coordinates: 36.43, -81.419998 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4300&lon=-81.4200&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 3, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Cirrus Aircraft, Continental Motors - NTSB case key (mKey): 92322 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA16LA040 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92322/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92322 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA040 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during a postaccident test run of the engine. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); 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: 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 private pilot was conducting a long personal cross-country flight. The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight for almost 1 hour at 11,500 ft and that everything was normal. He then noticed that the autopilot pitch was starting to increase in order to maintain altitude and that the manifold air pressure was decreasing. At this time, the rpm and oil pressure were normal. The airplane then started losing altitude, and the manifold air pressure gauge's needle was shaking. The pilot increased the throttle, but he noted no change in power or rpm. The pilot attempted to divert to the nearest airport, but on final approach, the headwind was stronger than he expected, and he knew that the airplane was not going to reach the runway because the engine had lost all power. He subsequently deployed the airplane's parachute system, and the airplane descended into a field. Examination of the wreckage revealed that adequate fuel was onboard. The engine was subsequently test run to full power with no anomalies noted. ## Factual narrative On November 13, 2015, about 0910 eastern standard time, a Cirrus SR22, N334CM, operated by private individual, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a total loss of engine power near Jefferson, North Carolina. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which was destined for Lancaster Airport (LNS), Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia about 0800. According to the pilot, he was in cruise flight for almost 1 hour at 11,500 feet and everything was normal. Then he noticed the autopilot pitch of the airplane was starting to increase in an effort to maintain altitude and the manifold air pressure was decreasing. At this time, the rpm and oil pressure were normal. The airplane started losing altitude and the needle for the manifold air pressure gauge was shaking. The pilot increased throttle, but no change in power or rpm was indicated. The pilot further stated that he diverted direct to the nearest airport, which was Ashe County Airport (GEV), Jefferson, North Carolina. The airplane was high over the airport and the pilot circled the airport three times to lose altitude. On his last turn to final approach, the headwinds were stronger than expected and the pilot knew the airplane was not going to reach the runway as the engine had lost all power. At that time, he deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System and the airplane descended into a field. Examination of the wreckage at the accident site revealed that the firewall was damaged. The engine cowlings were crushed and the propeller blades were bent. The airframe and engine were examined at a recovery facility in preparation for a test-run. The fuel that was drained at the accident site was used for the engine run. The propeller was removed and a spare propeller was placed on the engine. The airplane was secured to a trailer and the engine mounts were also secured. The engine started after approximately one to two revolutions of the propeller. Engine oil pressure was 59 psi and came down slightly after warm up. The engine was set to 1,000 rpm and allowed to run for 4 to 5 minutes before the engine was shut down with the mixture lever so replacement manifold air pressure and fuel flow gage could be utilized. The engine was restarted and all gauges were functional. The engine was not run to high power due to the engine mounts being fractured. There were no discrepancies noted that would have prevented the engine from reaching its designed rated horsepower. The engine was then sent to the manufacturer for a full power test-run. The engine was secured to an engine run stand and a three-bladed propeller was installed. The engine started immediately and was idled for several minutes to warm up before the high power runs. Theengine was run at several different power settings from idle to full power and all parameters were within manufactures specification limits. After approximately 30 minutes of run time, the engine was shut down and no anomalies were noted. According to FAA records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating. He held an FAA third-class medical certificate, issued May 22, 2012. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 335 hours total flight experience, and 273 hours total flight experience in the accident airplane make and model at the time of the accident. According to FAA and aircraft maintenance records, the airplane was originally issued an airworthiness certificate on June 9, 2004, and registered to the owner on December 26, 2012. It was powered by a Continental IO-550-N engine and driven by a three bladed Hartzell propeller. According to maintenance records the most recent annual inspection was conducted on July 29, 2015, with a recorded time in service of 2,559.0 hours. The engine was overhauled on May 4, 2015, and had accumulated 112.1 total hours at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N334CM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N334CM-2018-12-28), registration cancelled 2018-12-28, S/N 0952, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 (NO SERIES) - 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: 0952 - Year built: 2004 - Airframe hours: 2559 - Engines: CONT MOTOR IO-550N 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Ran Air LLC - Registered owner: Ran Air LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 29, 2015 - Departed: PDK, ATLANTA, GA - Destination: LNS, Lancaster, PA - Airport: GEV, Ashe County, runway 28, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 36; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review May 12, 2015; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 335 total, 273 in this make and model, 311 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 5 knots, gusting 25 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 21 °F - Altimeter: 30.01 inHg - Observed at: GEV, 5 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 20151113023669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20151113023669A), Nov 13, 2015: Cirrus Design Corp SR22, Jefferson, NC, Substantial damage. While in cruise flight just past kavl at 11,500 MSL, the pilot noticed the airspeed began to decrease from previously maintained 170 TAS. Once the speed… ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 25, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92322. 3.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438125&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 425 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438126&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record – Telephone Interview, Pilot (item 3, .PDF, 52 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438127&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20%E2%80%93%20Telephone%20Interview,%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 4, .PDF, 992 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438128&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 408 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438129&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.