# NTSB WPR24LA106: Cirrus Design SR22, N2824M, Whitethorn, CA, March 8, 2024 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: March 8, 2024, 13:25 local (21:25 UTC) - Place: Whitethorn, CA - Coordinates: 39.975161, -123.97834 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9752&lon=-123.9783&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Cirrus Aircraft, Continental Engines, FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 193914 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR24LA106 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/193914/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193914 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA106 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel. ## 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 condition (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) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) (defining event); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 225 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he had not flown the airplane frequently in the months leading up to the accident. On the day of the accident flight, he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane, including a visual inspection of the fuel level, and determined there was sufficient fuel on board for the flight. However, he did not recall if a fuel sample was taken. During the initial climb, the engine initially sputtered and then lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but without success; he deployed the airplane’s emergency parachute. The airplane impacted trees and subsequently came to rest on the ground inverted. Aircraft recovery personnel reported that fuel was leaking from the airplane, and they recovered about 26 gallons of fuel from the left wing. No fuel was recovered from the right wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel manifold assembly was removed and disassembled, and a liquid substance was noted. The liquid substance was tested for water using SAR-GEL, a water-finding paste; it tested positive for water. It is likely the total loss of engine power was a result of water in the airplane’s fuel system. It could not be determined how or when the water entered the airplane’s fuel system. ## Factual narrative On March 8, 2024, at 1325 Pacific standard time, a Cirrus SR22, N2824M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Whitethorn, California. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, and one passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5), Shelter Cove, California, with an intended destination of Santa Rosa, California. As the airplane was climbing through 2,600 ft mean sea level (msl), the engine sputtered and lost total power. The pilot stated that he switched fuel tanks, activated the electric boost pump, and manipulated the mixture and throttle controls to restore engine power. Unable to restore engine power, he deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The airplane descended under parachute canopy into densely tree-covered terrain and became suspended amongst the tree limbs. Subsequently, the airplane fell from the trees and impacted the ground inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that he had not flown the airplane frequently in the months leading up to the accident. On the day of the accident flight he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane, including a visual inspection of the fuel level, and determined there was sufficient fuel on board for the flight. However, he did not recall if a fuel sample was taken. According to the aircraft recovery personnel, fuel was observed leaking from the airplane. About 26 gallons of fuel was recovered from the left wing and no fuel was recovered from the right wing. The airplane was equipped with a Avidyne primary flight display (PFD) unit and a Avidyne multi-function flight display (MFD). The PFD and MFD were removed and sent to the NTSB Recorder Laboratory. The PFD unit displays aircraft parameter data including altitude, airspeed, attitude, vertical speed, and heading. The MFD can display comprehensive engine monitoring and performance data. The downloaded data from the PFD and MFD indicated that at 13:17:42, the aircraft was climbing and was at a pressure altitude of 2,192 ft. The indicated airspeed was 126 knots; engine speed, manifold pressure, and fuel flow were 2,620 rpm, 26.5 inHg, and 25.2 gph, respectively. At 13:18:00, the pressure altitude was 2,376 ft and indicated airspeed was 128 knots. Engine speed and fuel flow began rapidly reducing from 2,480 rpm and 20.2 gph, respectively. At 13:18:43, the last recorded MFD data sample indicated that the engine speed and fuel flow were 1,310 rpm and 0.4 gph, respectively. Postaccident examination of the airplane established flight control continuity from all primary flight control surfaces to the left and right cockpit controls. The firewall sustained damaged; however, when the throttle, mixture, and propeller were manually manipulated from the cockpit, corresponding movement was noted at theirrespective attachment points. A visual inspection of the fuel system and continuity was established from the wing roots throughout the fuel system to the fuel injectors. The airframe fuel strainer assembly was removed, dissembled, and was void of fluid and debris. Examination of the recovered engine revealed that it was separated from the engine mount and nose gear assembly. No evidence of any external mechanical damage was observed to the engine crankcase. The oil sump remained attached to the engine and a 4-inch puncture was observed near the oil drain. The crankshaft was rotated by hand using the propeller hub. Rotational continuity was established throughout the engine and valvetrain. Thumb compression and suction were obtained on all six cylinders. The fuel flow manifold remained attached to its respective mount and was undamaged. The fuel flow manifold assembly was removed and disassembled. The internal diaphragm and spring were undamaged. The fuel flow manifold was clear and free of debris. A liquid substance was noted in the fuel flow manifold and was tested for water using SAR-GEL, a water-finding paste; the liquid substance tested positive for water. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2824M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2824M), registered now, S/N 1144, built 2004 (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: 1144 - Year built: 2004 - Airframe hours: 1453.9 - Engines: Continental IO-550-N 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, August 15, 2023 - Departed: 0Q5, Shelter Cove, CA - Destination: KSTS, Santa Rosa, WA - Equipment: Auto-pilot, Airframe parachute, ADS-B, Stall warning system, Onboard weather, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 38; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; last flight review July 1, 2023; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 700 total, 540 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.14 inHg - Observed at: KUKI, 12 nm away - METAR: KUKI 082056Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 17/04 A3014 RMK AO2 SLP204 T01720044 58022 ## 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 20240308005709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240308005709A), Mar 8, 2024: Cirrus Design Corp SR22, Whitehorn, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot stated I made a standard departure from shelter cove airport (0Q5) in clear VMC conditions around 1:15 pm pacific standard time. This airport is right on… ## Docket (10 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 16, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193914. 10.5 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18417908&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20form%206120_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Record of e-mail correspondence (pilot) (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 74 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18510224&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Record%20of%20e-mail%20correspondence%20(Pilot)-Rel.pdf - Airframe and engine examination (item 3, PDF, 12 pages, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18609971&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airframe%20and%20Engine%20Examination_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Cockpit display - recorded flight data - specialist's factual report (item 4, PDF, 12 pages, 5 photos, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18059579&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Cockpit%20Display%20-%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Rel.pdf - Cockpit display - recorded flight data - specialist's factual report - ATTACHMENT1 - PFD tabular data (item 5, CSV, 69 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18059713&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Cockpit%20Display%20-%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report%20-%20Attachment1%20-%20PFD%20Tabular%20Data-Rel.csv - Cockpit display - recorded flight data - specialist's factual report - ATTACHMENT2 - MFD tabular data (item 6, CSV, 5 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18059798&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Cockpit%20Display%20-%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report%20-%20Attachment2%20-%20MFD%20Tabular%20Data-Rel.csv - Cockpit display - recorded flight data - specialist's factual report - ATTACHMENT3 - ADS-B tabular data (item 7, CSV, 21 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18059595&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Cockpit%20Display%20-%20Recorded%20Flight%20Data%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report%20-%20Attachment3%20-%20ADS-B%20Tabular%20Data-Rel.csv - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 8, PDF, 2 pages, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18417822&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Parties%20Form_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18439999&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR24LA106%20Release%20of%20Wreckage%20Form_signed_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Evidence control form (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 137 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18440267&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Evidence%20Control%20Form_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. --- 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.