Thursday, March 30, 2017

Cirrus SR20, N580PU, registered to the Trustees of Purdue University and operated by the University: Accident occurred March 29, 2017 at Fort Wayne International Airport (KFWA), Allen County, Indiana

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota
Purdue University; Lafayette, Indiana

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Trustees of Purdue University: http://registry.faa.gov/N580PU



Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Accident Number: CEN17LA144
Date & Time: 03/29/2017, 2156 EDT
Registration: N580PU
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

Analysis 

The flight instructor reported that the private pilot receiving instruction performed the approach and crosswind landing. During the landing flare, the airplane suddenly and severely rolled to the left. He thought that he heard the left wing scrape the runway. The instructor took control of the airplane and simultaneously added full engine power and full right aileron to attempt a go-around. He stated that the full right aileron input did little to correct the airplane's attitude, and the wind continued to push the airplane to the left of the runway. As the airplane's airspeed increased, the instructor was able to level the wings and started to pitch the airplane up for the go-around. The instructor noted that he did not feel as if he had the airplane "under control" during the go-around. When the airplane was about 25-50 ft above the ground, it rolled right and pitched down to ground contact.

Examination of the airplane, flight control system, and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Damage to the left wing was consistent with runway contact.

The data recovered from the airplane's Recoverable Data Module (RDM) showed that, seconds before impact during the go-around, the airplane was banked 17° left and pitched 13° nose up at an airspeed of 55 knots. The pilot's operating handbook listed the airplane's aerodynamic stall speed as 59 knots when loaded to full gross weight with the most rearward center of gravity. The RDM data also indicated that the airplane's aerodynamic stall warning activated about 6 seconds before the impact.

At the time of the accident, there was an approximate 50° right crosswind at 20 knots with gusts to 26 knots; these conditions exceeded the flight school's established crosswind limitations.

Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot receiving instruction failed to maintain control of the airplane during the crosswind landing, which led to the left wing contacting the runway. When the flight instructor assumed control of the airplane, he failed to attain appropriate airspeed and allowed the airplane to exceed its critical angle of attack during the attempted go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and incipient spin.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
 The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain airplane control during a crosswind landing in high gusting winds, and the flight instructor's failure to maintain a proper airspeed and angle of attack during the go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's decision to conduct a flight in crosswind conditions that exceeded flight school limitations.

Findings

Aircraft
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Airspeed - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Angle of attack - Capability exceeded (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Aircraft control - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Instructor/check pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
High wind - Effect on operation (Cause)
High wind - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On March 29, 2017, about 2156 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR-20, N580PU, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while landing on runway 5 at the Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), Fort Wayne, Indiana. The flight instructor received minor injuries and the pilot receiving instruction received serious injuries. The pilot receiving instruction held a private pilot certificate. The airplane received extensive damage to the forward fuselage and both wings. The aircraft was registered to the Trustees of Purdue University and operated by the University under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight, which operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Purdue University Airport (LAF), Lafayette, Indiana about 2100. The intended route of flight would have returned to LAF with interim stops at FWA and the South Bend International Airport (SBN), South Bend, Indiana.

According to the flight instructor's statement, the flight was conducted as part of the University's commercial flight training program. He stated that his student obtained a weather briefing before the flight and the weather was monitored throughout the flight. He stated that although the surface winds were high, the flight progressed from LAF to FWA uneventfully. He stated that during the landing approach the student applied crosswind correction with the right-wing low (into the wind), and the nose of the airplane pointed straight down the runway. The instructor stated that as the student flared for landing the airplane suddenly and severely rolled to the left. He believed that he heard the left wing scrape the runway. He stated that he assumed control of the airplane and simultaneously added full engine power and full right aileron control to attempt a go-around. He stated that the full right aileron input did little to correct the airplane's roll attitude and the wind pushed the airplane to the left of the runway. As the airplane's airspeed increased the instructor was able to level the wings and started to pitch up for the go-around. He stated that he did not feel as if he had the airplane "under control". When the airplane was about 25-50 feet above the ground it rolled right and nose low. The airplane then impacted the ground.

The student reported that they were landing on runway 5 at FWA and had planned to perform 4 touch and go landings at FWA before proceeding to SBN. The winds were strong and from the right of the airplane during final approach. He stated that he positioned the airplane in a crab to correct for the crosswind. The airplane remained in the crab and was stable until over the runway threshold. The final approach airspeed was increased appropriately for the gusts. Upon crossing over the runway numbers, he smoothly reduced power and transitioned the airplane into a slip, keeping the airplane banked into the wind and the rudder opposite to keep the nose aligned with the runway centerline. As he began the flare, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane toward the left side of the runway. Because of this, a go around was initiated but the left wingtip struck the runway. He stated that the instructor took control of the airplane and the subsequent events happened too fast to remember. 

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/03/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time:  414 hours (Total, all aircraft), 188 hours (Total, this make and model)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 18, Male 
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/12/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  158 hours (Total, all aircraft), 158 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He also held a flight instructor certificate with an airplane single-engine rating. According to a report submitted by the operator, the flight instructor had 414 hours total flight experience with 188 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He had 149.8 hours experience as a flight instructor with 73.3 hours as an instructor in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The flight instructor's most recent first class medical certificate was issued on June 3, 2015. No limitations were listed on the medical certificate.

The pilot receiving instruction held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land rating. According to a report submitted by the operator, the student had 157.5 hours total flight experience all in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The student's most recent first class medical certificate was issued on July 12, 2016. No limitations were listed on the medical certificate. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N580PU
Model/Series: SR20 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2039
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 5
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/29/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:  3050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3144 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series:  IO-360-ES
Registered Owner: TRUSTEES OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: TRUSTEES OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

The airplane was a Cirrus SR-20, serial number 2039, manufactured in 2010. The airplane was a single-engine monoplane with an airframe constructed predominately of composite materials. The airplane had a fixed tricycle landing gear arrangement. A Continental IO-360-ES engine, serial number 1011589, producing a maximum of 200 horsepower, powered the airplane.

The operator reported that the airplane was maintained under a manufacturer's inspection program and the most recent 50-hour inspection was performed on March 29, 2017. At the time of the inspection the airplane had accumulated 3,144 hours total time in service. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: FWA, 815 ft msl
Observation Time: 0154 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / -1°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 10000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 20 knots/ 26 knots, 100°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:  30.09 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: LAFAYETTE, IN (LAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Fort Wayne, IN (FWA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 2100 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

At 2154, the recorded weather conditions at FWA were: wind from 100° at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots, 10 miles visibility, broken clouds at 10,000 feet above ground level (agl), overcast clouds at 12,000 feet agl, temperature of 9° C, dew point of -1° C, and an altimeter setting 30.09 inches of mercury.

At 1954, about 1 hour before departure, the recorded wind at FWA was from 80° at 18 knots gusting to 25 knots.

At 2054, a few minutes before departure, the recorded wind at FWA was from 90° at 19 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

A search of official weather briefing sources, such as Lockheed Martin Flight Service (LMFS), Leidos weather briefings, and Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS) was done. The pilot under instruction and flight instructor, had received several official weather briefings before the accident flight.

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) that was valid for the time of the accident expected wind from 070 degrees at 16 knots at FWA. 

Airport Information

Airport: FORT WAYNE INTL (FWA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Concrete
Airport Elevation: 814 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 05
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 11981 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern 

FWA had three runways, 5/23, 14/32, and 9/27. At the time of the accident, runway 5 was in use and was 11,981 feet long and 150 feet wide. 




Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.978333, -85.195278 

The airplane was examined in a hangar after its recovery from the accident site. The airplane had significant damage to the forward fuselage. The engine was separated and only remained attached by control cabling and wiring. The top of the cowl exhibited crush damage to the right top. The windshield was broken out and the top of the windshield had mud and dirt stains. The firewall was crushed rearward into the cabin area. The right wing was broken about midspan and the tip shattered. The wing was broken in the rearward/downward direction. The left wing was broken about midspan and the leading edge was twisted downward. The pitot tube mounted on the lower surface of the left wing near the tip had its lower rear end partially ground off indicative of runway contact. The cabin section of the fuselage from about 2 feet aft of the firewall to the tail surfaces was intact. The tail surfaces were intact but the lower rudder fairing exhibited mud staining and crushing of the fairing indicative of ground contact. No preimpact structural defects were noted.

Flight control system continuity checks were performed with the following results:

Elevator cable continuity was confirmed from the elevator control surface forward to the elevator bellcrank located in the forward cabin console. Crushing damage to the forward fuselage resulted in the cables having slack. Due to the cable slack, movement of the yokes did not result in movement at the elevator; however, movement of the yoke did result in movement of the bellcrank to which the cables were attached.

Rudder control cable continuity was verified from the rudder forward to the rudder pedals. Crush damage resulted in slack in the rudder cables as well, however, pulling on the cables in the aft fuselage access resulted in both movement of the rudder surface and movement of the rudder pedals.

Aileron cable continuity was verified by pulling on the cables in the center console, which resulted in movement of the aileron actuators in the wings. The link between the aileron control surface and the actuator mounted on the rear spar was disconnected due to impact damage. This was true for both the right and left ailerons. Continuity from the yokes to the cables located in the center console was verified by movement of the yokes which resulted in movement of the cables in the center console.

Continuity of the left and right yokes was verified by movement of one yoke which resulted in like movement of the opposite side yoke.

Both flaps appeared equally deployed. The flap switch which was positioned at 50 percent.

No preimpact defects were noted with respect to the flight control system.

The airplane Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) system had not been deployed. The safety pin for the activation handle was found in-place during the wreckage examination in the hangar. The opposite end of the cable which is normally attached to the rocket igniter had been previously disconnected after the accident. The CAPS solid propellant rocket motor, igniter, and reefing line cutters were removed from the airplane. The solid propellant rocket motor, the ignitor and reefing cutters were activated to dispose of potential hazards. 

Injuries To Persons

The flight instructor received lacerations to his hands and face, and other cuts and bruises. The student pilot received a fractured femur and various cuts and bruises. 

Flight Recorders

The accident airplane was equipped with a Recoverable Data Module (RDM), located in the tail of the airplane. The unit was undamaged and the recorded data was downloaded during the wreckage examination. 

Tests And Research

The RDM data that was downloaded during the on-scene examination consisted of comma-delimited text entries recorded at one second intervals. The data contained various flight parameters including but not limited to: aircraft attitude, position, speed, acceleration, engine parameters, etc. At 2156, the RDM recording showed several blocks of missing data with the engine RPM dropping to zero. This was consistent with an impact that stopped the engine. The last data string before impact recorded the airplane in a 56° right roll with the nose pitched up 12°, at an indicated airspeed (IAS) of 57 knots. Three seconds earlier the RDM recorded a roll angle of 17° left wing down, and a pitch attitude of 13° nose up. At the same time, the IAS was 55 knots and the flaps were deployed 100 percent. During this time, the engine speed was above 2,600 RPM, indicating that the engine was at full power during the attempted go-around. According to the RDM data, the aerodynamic stall warning had activated about 6 seconds before the impact.

According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the accident airplane, the aerodynamic stall speed at maximum gross weight, most rearward center of gravity, 0° of bank, and 100 percent flap deflection, was 59 knots IAS. The actual airplane loading was not determined during the investigation.

The POH also stated that landings had been demonstrated in direct crosswinds up to 20 knots. Based on the reported wind gusts at FWA, the airplane was landing with a 16.7 knot headwind component and a 19.9 knot crosswind component.

At the time of the accident the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology at Purdue University operated several SR-20 airplanes that were used for student training. The flight department had established wind and crosswind component limitations for all the aircraft that the university operated. For the SR-20 airplane used for dual instruction the wind limits were based on the reported winds and the wind direction relative to the runway heading. For wind 50° from runway heading the maximum wind was listed as 23 knots and was noted to include peak gusts. The wind limitations noted that if the wind began to exceed the limits that the airplane was to be returned to the airport for a full stop landing as soon as practical. 

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA144
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Fort Wayne, IN
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20, registration: N580PU
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On March 29, 2017, about 2156 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR-20, N580PU, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while landing on runway 5 at the Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The certified flight instructor received minor injuries and the student pilot received serious injuries. The student pilot held a private pilot certificate. The airplane received extensive damage to the forward fuselage and both wings. The aircraft was registered to the Trustees of Purdue University and operated by the University under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Purdue University Airport, Lafayette, Indiana about 2100. The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota
Purdue University; Lafayette, Indiana

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf



Investigation Docket  - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Trustees of Purdue University: http://registry.faa.gov/N580PU




Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Accident Number: CEN17LA144
Date & Time: 03/29/2017, 2156 EDT
Registration: N580PU
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On March 29, 2017, about 2156 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR-20, N580PU, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while landing on runway 5 at the Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), Fort Wayne, Indiana. The flight instructor received minor injuries and the pilot receiving instruction received serious injuries. The pilot receiving instruction held a private pilot certificate. The airplane received extensive damage to the forward fuselage and both wings. The aircraft was registered to the Trustees of Purdue University and operated by the University under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight, which operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Purdue University Airport (LAF), Lafayette, Indiana about 2100. The intended route of flight would have returned to LAF with interim stops at FWA and the South Bend International Airport (SBN), South Bend, Indiana.

According to the flight instructor's statement, the flight was conducted as part of the University's commercial flight training program. He stated that his student obtained a weather briefing before the flight and the weather was monitored throughout the flight. He stated that although the surface winds were high, the flight progressed from LAF to FWA uneventfully. He stated that during the landing approach the student applied crosswind correction with the right-wing low (into the wind), and the nose of the airplane pointed straight down the runway. The instructor stated that as the student flared for landing the airplane suddenly and severely rolled to the left. He believed that he heard the left wing scrape the runway. He stated that he assumed control of the airplane and simultaneously added full engine power and full right aileron control to attempt a go-around. He stated that the full right aileron input did little to correct the airplane's roll attitude and the wind pushed the airplane to the left of the runway. As the airplane's airspeed increased the instructor was able to level the wings and started to pitch up for the go-around. He stated that he did not feel as if he had the airplane "under control". When the airplane was about 25-50 feet above the ground it rolled right and nose low. The airplane then impacted the ground.

The student reported that they were landing on runway 5 at FWA and had planned to perform 4 touch and go landings at FWA before proceeding to SBN. The winds were strong and from the right of the airplane during final approach. He stated that he positioned the airplane in a crab to correct for the crosswind. The airplane remained in the crab and was stable until over the runway threshold. The final approach airspeed was increased appropriately for the gusts. Upon crossing over the runway numbers, he smoothly reduced power and transitioned the airplane into a slip, keeping the airplane banked into the wind and the rudder opposite to keep the nose aligned with the runway centerline. As he began the flare, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane toward the left side of the runway. Because of this, a go around was initiated but the left wingtip struck the runway. He stated that the instructor took control of the airplane and the subsequent events happened too fast to remember. 

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/03/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time:  414 hours (Total, all aircraft), 188 hours (Total, this make and model)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 18, Male 
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/12/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  158 hours (Total, all aircraft), 158 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He also held a flight instructor certificate with an airplane single-engine rating. According to a report submitted by the operator, the flight instructor had 414 hours total flight experience with 188 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He had 149.8 hours experience as a flight instructor with 73.3 hours as an instructor in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The flight instructor's most recent first class medical certificate was issued on June 3, 2015. No limitations were listed on the medical certificate.

The pilot receiving instruction held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land rating. According to a report submitted by the operator, the student had 157.5 hours total flight experience all in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The student's most recent first class medical certificate was issued on July 12, 2016. No limitations were listed on the medical certificate. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N580PU
Model/Series: SR20 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2039
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 5
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/29/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:  3050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3144 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series:  IO-360-ES
Registered Owner: TRUSTEES OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: TRUSTEES OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

The airplane was a Cirrus SR-20, serial number 2039, manufactured in 2010. The airplane was a single-engine monoplane with an airframe constructed predominately of composite materials. The airplane had a fixed tricycle landing gear arrangement. A Continental IO-360-ES engine, serial number 1011589, producing a maximum of 200 horsepower, powered the airplane.

The operator reported that the airplane was maintained under a manufacturer's inspection program and the most recent 50-hour inspection was performed on March 29, 2017. At the time of the inspection the airplane had accumulated 3,144 hours total time in service. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: FWA, 815 ft msl
Observation Time: 0154 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / -1°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 10000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 20 knots/ 26 knots, 100°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:  30.09 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: LAFAYETTE, IN (LAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Fort Wayne, IN (FWA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 2100 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

At 2154, the recorded weather conditions at FWA were: wind from 100° at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots, 10 miles visibility, broken clouds at 10,000 feet above ground level (agl), overcast clouds at 12,000 feet agl, temperature of 9° C, dew point of -1° C, and an altimeter setting 30.09 inches of mercury.

At 1954, about 1 hour before departure, the recorded wind at FWA was from 80° at 18 knots gusting to 25 knots.

At 2054, a few minutes before departure, the recorded wind at FWA was from 90° at 19 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

A search of official weather briefing sources, such as Lockheed Martin Flight Service (LMFS), Leidos weather briefings, and Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS) was done. The pilot under instruction and flight instructor, had received several official weather briefings before the accident flight.

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) that was valid for the time of the accident expected wind from 070 degrees at 16 knots at FWA. 

Airport Information

Airport: FORT WAYNE INTL (FWA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Concrete
Airport Elevation: 814 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 05
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 11981 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern 

FWA had three runways, 5/23, 14/32, and 9/27. At the time of the accident, runway 5 was in use and was 11,981 feet long and 150 feet wide. 




Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.978333, -85.195278 

The airplane was examined in a hangar after its recovery from the accident site. The airplane had significant damage to the forward fuselage. The engine was separated and only remained attached by control cabling and wiring. The top of the cowl exhibited crush damage to the right top. The windshield was broken out and the top of the windshield had mud and dirt stains. The firewall was crushed rearward into the cabin area. The right wing was broken about midspan and the tip shattered. The wing was broken in the rearward/downward direction. The left wing was broken about midspan and the leading edge was twisted downward. The pitot tube mounted on the lower surface of the left wing near the tip had its lower rear end partially ground off indicative of runway contact. The cabin section of the fuselage from about 2 feet aft of the firewall to the tail surfaces was intact. The tail surfaces were intact but the lower rudder fairing exhibited mud staining and crushing of the fairing indicative of ground contact. No preimpact structural defects were noted.

Flight control system continuity checks were performed with the following results:

Elevator cable continuity was confirmed from the elevator control surface forward to the elevator bellcrank located in the forward cabin console. Crushing damage to the forward fuselage resulted in the cables having slack. Due to the cable slack, movement of the yokes did not result in movement at the elevator; however, movement of the yoke did result in movement of the bellcrank to which the cables were attached.

Rudder control cable continuity was verified from the rudder forward to the rudder pedals. Crush damage resulted in slack in the rudder cables as well, however, pulling on the cables in the aft fuselage access resulted in both movement of the rudder surface and movement of the rudder pedals.

Aileron cable continuity was verified by pulling on the cables in the center console, which resulted in movement of the aileron actuators in the wings. The link between the aileron control surface and the actuator mounted on the rear spar was disconnected due to impact damage. This was true for both the right and left ailerons. Continuity from the yokes to the cables located in the center console was verified by movement of the yokes which resulted in movement of the cables in the center console.

Continuity of the left and right yokes was verified by movement of one yoke which resulted in like movement of the opposite side yoke.

Both flaps appeared equally deployed. The flap switch which was positioned at 50 percent.

No preimpact defects were noted with respect to the flight control system.

The airplane Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) system had not been deployed. The safety pin for the activation handle was found in-place during the wreckage examination in the hangar. The opposite end of the cable which is normally attached to the rocket igniter had been previously disconnected after the accident. The CAPS solid propellant rocket motor, igniter, and reefing line cutters were removed from the airplane. The solid propellant rocket motor, the ignitor and reefing cutters were activated to dispose of potential hazards. 

Injuries To Persons

The flight instructor received lacerations to his hands and face, and other cuts and bruises. The student pilot received a fractured femur and various cuts and bruises. 

Flight Recorders

The accident airplane was equipped with a Recoverable Data Module (RDM), located in the tail of the airplane. The unit was undamaged and the recorded data was downloaded during the wreckage examination. 

Tests And Research

The RDM data that was downloaded during the on-scene examination consisted of comma-delimited text entries recorded at one second intervals. The data contained various flight parameters including but not limited to: aircraft attitude, position, speed, acceleration, engine parameters, etc. At 2156, the RDM recording showed several blocks of missing data with the engine RPM dropping to zero. This was consistent with an impact that stopped the engine. The last data string before impact recorded the airplane in a 56° right roll with the nose pitched up 12°, at an indicated airspeed (IAS) of 57 knots. Three seconds earlier the RDM recorded a roll angle of 17° left wing down, and a pitch attitude of 13° nose up. At the same time, the IAS was 55 knots and the flaps were deployed 100 percent. During this time, the engine speed was above 2,600 RPM, indicating that the engine was at full power during the attempted go-around. According to the RDM data, the aerodynamic stall warning had activated about 6 seconds before the impact.

According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the accident airplane, the aerodynamic stall speed at maximum gross weight, most rearward center of gravity, 0° of bank, and 100 percent flap deflection, was 59 knots IAS. The actual airplane loading was not determined during the investigation.

The POH also stated that landings had been demonstrated in direct crosswinds up to 20 knots. Based on the reported wind gusts at FWA, the airplane was landing with a 16.7 knot headwind component and a 19.9 knot crosswind component.

At the time of the accident the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology at Purdue University operated several SR-20 airplanes that were used for student training. The flight department had established wind and crosswind component limitations for all the aircraft that the university operated. For the SR-20 airplane used for dual instruction the wind limits were based on the reported winds and the wind direction relative to the runway heading. For wind 50° from runway heading the maximum wind was listed as 23 knots and was noted to include peak gusts. The wind limitations noted that if the wind began to exceed the limits that the airplane was to be returned to the airport for a full stop landing as soon as practical. 

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA144
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Fort Wayne, IN
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20, registration: N580PU
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On March 29, 2017, about 2156 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR-20, N580PU, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while landing on runway 5 at the Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The certified flight instructor received minor injuries and the student pilot received serious injuries. The student pilot held a private pilot certificate. The airplane received extensive damage to the forward fuselage and both wings. The aircraft was registered to the Trustees of Purdue University and operated by the University under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Purdue University Airport, Lafayette, Indiana about 2100.


In a late Wednesday night press briefing, Fort Wayne International Airport Executive Director Scott Hinderman confirms two people were hospitalized, after their Cirrus SR20 aircraft had a rough landing.

Hinderman says the small aircraft belonged to the Purdue flight school, and that it had permission to land at the airport tonight. Officials say the pilot did not call an emergency landing.

At least one of the two passengers suffered broken bones. Their have not yet been released. 

Hinderman says due to the crash, the airport closed the runway for a short time - redirecting incoming flights to nearby airport - but as of 11 p.m. the runway is back open.




FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A small, single-engine plane crashed while landing at Fort Wayne International Airport Wednesday night, according to airport officials.

Executive Director Scott Hinderman told Newschannel 15 the airplane was from a Purdue flight school. It is uncertain if students were on the plane or if instructors were flying

Two people were injured in the crash. They were taken by ambulance to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Emergency crews at Fort Wayne International Airport surround a small plane that crashed on Mar. 29, 2017.

The crash was reported shortly after 10 p.m.

Hinderman said a Cirrus SR20 plane was was approaching runway 5 when it crashed for an unknown reason. Henderman said the pilot did not declare an emergency before landing.

The National Weather Service (Northern Indiana) in North Webster reported the following conditions at 10 p.m. at FWA: Cloudy skies but unlimited visibility. The temperature was 48°F with a dew point of 31°F and a relative humidity of 51 percent. The winds were reported out of the east at 23 miles per hour with gusts to 30 miles per hour.

It’s unclear if weather was a factor in the crash.

Emergency workers at FWA have been authorized to move the aircraft to a secure location. Hinderman said FAA investigators are expected to arrive sometime Thursday morning.

The crash forced the closure of both runways at FWA and a brief groundstop for around 30 minutes, according to Hinderman.

Two late night flights were diverted, United 4253 from Newark was diverted to Indianapolis and Delta 3565 from Minneapolis was diverted to South Bend. Both planes eventually landed at FWA only slightly behind schedule.

Hinderman said the airport is back to full operation and does not expect any operational delays Thursday.

Attempts to reach Purdue University officials overnight were not successful.

Story and video:  http://wane.com

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Two Purdue University flight school students were injured in a plane crash about 10 p.m. Wednesday at Fort Wayne International Airport.

The students — one who was a pilot and the other an instructor — were practicing take-offs and landings in a Cirrus SR20 when they caught a strong crosswind while landing, causing the plane to crash, according to a statement from Jim Bush, a spokesperson for Purdue.

They were transported to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne with non-life threatening injuries.

Both students were enrolled in Purdue's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology.

5 comments:

  1. Crosswinds do not cause crashes. A properly executed forward slip with minimum flaps is sufficient to manage a strong crosswind on landing.

    The Cirrus is too much airplane for a primary student pilot.

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  2. Bet you couldn't land in a crosswind that strong Jim, bet.

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  3. Jim, Crosswinds do cause crashes. Each aircraft has a maximum crosswind speed listed in the POH. They do that because a crosswind Can and Will cause a crash. Lack of training and experience is also as likely a cause but I would bet if they claim a high crosswind, that played a part.

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  4. Steady crosswinds don't cause crashes, but heavy crosswind gusts can and do cause crashes.

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  5. Actually did once in a 182T on Rwy 26 at Langley Air Force Base on 26-Mar-2012.

    KLFI 262155Z AUTO 35019G27KT 10SM CLR 16/M10 A2993 RMK AO2 PK WND
    36029/2127 SLPNO T01591099 $

    90 degree crosswind, 10 deg flaps, 1/3 power, full right slip and set down at 75 kts to bring the relative wind vector as far forward on the nose as possible. As far as I could tell put no significant side load on the main gear since we maintained runway alignment all the way to touchdown. I still wonder how far above the pavement the right wing tip was. I do not think it was much more than two feet.

    The crosswinds were not forecast to be that strong. We needed to get down before it got worse later that evening.

    The POH says maximum demonstrated crosswind component = n knots [demonstrated by a professional test pilot] and what the [lawyers for the tire manufacturers and manufacturer are willing to defend] as a safe product.

    I would politely suggest breaking leg bones in a Cirrus (perhaps the safest seats in the industry) requires a serious nose-down crash into the runway that has little to do with crosswinds and more to do with approach speed management.

    Let the report bring out the facts.







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