Friday, October 12, 2018

Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Cirrus SR22T, N729TG; Accident occurred October 12, 2018 near Midland Airpark (KMDD), Texas











Aviation Investigation Report: Loss of Engine Power due to Excessive Fuel Flow in Cirrus SR22T Aircraft 
The NTSB has released an Aviation Investigation Report (AIR-22-04) urging Cirrus Aircraft and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address safety issues identified in investigations involving Cirrus SR22T airplanes in which an excessive fuel condition led to a loss of engine power during the takeoff climb. We investigated six accidents involving Cirrus SR22T airplanes; in five of them, we were able to retrieve fuel flow data from the recoverable data modules (RDM) installed in the accident airplanes. In each case, the fuel flow data indicated an excessively high fuel flow (ranging from 42.2 to 50.1 gallons per hour [gph]) to the engine just before the loss of power.

What You Should Know

Our examination of these investigations suggests a lack of system safety assessments to identify the cause and reduce the potential of the hazard from occurring. We concluded:

the Cirrus SR22T can experience a loss of engine power due to excessive fuel flow and some causes of excessive fuel flow during takeoff and climb may not have been identified and mitigated. We have recommended that Cirrus Aircraft conduct a functional hazard assessment (FHA) to identify the causes, effects, and severity levels for the SR22T excessive fuel flow hazard condition during takeoff and climb phases of flight and, based on the FHA, update the system safety assessment. 

until the FAA requires implementation of appropriate mitigating actions to prevent the loss of engine power due to excessive fuel flow in the SR22T, additional accidents may occur due to this hazard. We have recommended the FAA review the functional hazard assessment (FHA) recommended in Safety Recommendation A-22-7 and ensure it meets the objectives of Advisory Circular 23.1309-1 E. Upon approval of the FHA, work with Cirrus to identify necessary mitigating actions and require their implementation through the appropriate means, such as an airworthiness directive. 

What You Can Do

We encourage all pilots and operators with Cirrus Aircraft to read this AIR and review the circumstances of the six accidents investigated by the NTSB.



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota 
Continental Aerospace Technology; Mobile, Alabama 
Hartzell Engine Technologies Inc; Montgomery, Alabama 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Midland, Texas
Accident Number: CEN19LA002
Date & Time: October 12, 2018, 10:45 Local
Registration: N729TG
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot and passenger departed on a cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane. Shortly after takeoff and about 500 ft above ground level, the engine "surged." The pilot turned the airplane back toward the airport; however, the engine lost power. The pilot recognized the airplane would not make it back to the airport, so he deployed the airplane's parachute. The airplane descended under the parachute into a parking lot and impacted a parked automobile, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

The engine examination and test run noted that the engine fuel flow was high and above specified engine and airframe manufacturers' limits.

Data from the airplane's data monitor also indicated that the airplane engine's fuel flow was high on the accident flight and on previous flights, although the maximum fuel flow recorded varied. A review of maintenance records revealed that the engine manifold pressure and fuel flow were adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance manual about 3 months before the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The loss of engine power due to excessive fuel flow.

Findings

Aircraft (general) - Not specified
Environmental issues Ground vehicle - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

On October 12, 2018, about 1045 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N729TG, impacted a parking lot shortly after departing the Midland Airpark (MDD), Midland, Texas. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by TJG Equipment, LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight.

The pilot reported that after departure and about 500 ft above ground level, the engine "surged". He turned back toward the airport and the engine lost power. The pilot recognized the airplane would not make it back to the airport, so he deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The airplane descended under the parachute into a parking lot and impacted a parked automobile.

The airplane was recovered to a salvage facility. An engine examination was then conducted by the NTSB Investigator in Charge (IIC), and technical representatives from the engine and airframe manufacturers. A visual inspection and borescope examination of the engine was conducted: a damaged propeller and minor damage to the exhaust system was noted. In order to facilitate an engine test run, a
replacement propeller was installed, and a fuel can was plumbed into the airplane fuel system. An engine run was then conducted, and the engine started without hesitation. The engine was operated about 1,000 rpm to bring the engine up to operation temperatures. During the engine test run, full throttle was applied: manifold pressure stabilized at 39 inHg and fuel flow reached 49 gph. [The engine manufacturer specifications are 36.6 inHg and 37.5 gph, with Cirrus specified a 40.5gph limit].

After the engine run, the turbocharger controller and wastegate actuator were removed from the airplane and sent to the manufacturer for additional testing. It was also noted that during the wastegate actuator removal, the wastegate valve appeared "stuck". After moving the valve, it appeared to move normally.

The airplane's parachute was also removed and sent to Cirrus for a performance and conformity inspections.

The airplane's recoverable data module (RDM) was downloaded, and a review of the data noted that on the accident flight and previous flights, the engine's fuel flow was high, including near or above the maximum limit. A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed a maintenance entry dated July 18, 2018, that annotated the manifold pressure was set to 36.5, and fuel flow to 41gph, and rpm to 2,500, per Cirrus aircraft maintenance manual 5-30. There were no additional entries that indicated the fuel flow was later changed.

The wastegate actuator and turbocharger controller were bench tested at Hartzell's Engine Technologies (HET) facility, in Montgomery, Alabama, with representatives from the NTSB, FAA, and HET present. Both units operated normally, with no discrepancies noted that would have affected normal performance.

The engine was removed and shipped to the manufacturer's facility where it was placed in an engine test cell. The NTSB IIC and technical representative from the airframe and engine manufacturers conducted the test. The engine was started and ran at various power settings. It was noted that fuel flows were high, enough so that the engine would run rough, but did not experience a total loss of power. A small amount of black smoke was also observed during portions of the engine test run. Later during the test run, adjustments were made that lowered fuel flow; the engine appeared to run normally, without black smoke nor roughness.

A review of Cirrus support publications revealed two publications that address potential issues with engine high fuel flows:

Service Advisory SA19-01, Subject: High Boost/Prime Altitude Lockout Software Condition, which advises that high boost/prime mode be avoided in-flight, below 10,000 ft.

Service Bulletin SB2x-42-17, Subject: 42-20 INTEGRATED MODULAR AVIONICS - Perspective S/W Update, which provides a 10,000 ft altitude lockout feature; and a high fuel flow CAS message, at 42 gph.

History of Flight

Enroute-climb to cruise Loss of engine power (partial) (Defining event)
Emergency descent Off-field or emergency landing
Emergency descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport 
Age: 33
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: September 1, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 3979 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1468 hours (Total, this make and model), 3941 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 67 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cirrus 
Registration: N729TG
Model/Series: SR22T 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1347
Landing Gear Type: 
Tricycle Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 26, 2018 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 582.5 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: TIO-550
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMDD
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 15:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 180° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Midland, TX 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Andrews, TX (E11) 
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace:
Airport: 
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A Aircraft
Explosion:
None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.034442,-102.104721(est)

Location: Midland, TX
Accident Number: CEN19LA002
Date & Time: 10/12/2018, 1045 CDT
Registration: N729TG
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On October 12, 2018, about 1045 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N729TG, impacted a parking
lot following a loss of engine power shortly after departing the Midland Airpark (MDD), Midland, Texas. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by TJG Equipment, LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. Day instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight.

The pilot reported shortly after departure and about 500 ft above ground level, the engine "surged". He turned back toward the airport; however, power was not restored and the engine lost power. The pilot recognized the airplane would not make it back to the airport, so he deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The airplane descended under the parachute into a parking lot and impacted a parked automobile.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cirrus
Registration: N729TG
Model/Series: SR22 T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: TJG Equipment LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMDD
Observation Time: 1535 UTC
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 180°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Midland, TX (MDD)
Destination: Andrews, TX (E11)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 32.034444, -102.104722 (est)











MIDLAND, Texas - A small plane with a parachute system crashed outside a building in Midland. 

The crash happened late Friday morning as people working in the ClayDesta building watched the aircraft having trouble.

"It was like a loud 'boom'," said Ashlyn McKay, who works at the West Texas National Bank and saw the plane go down.

"I was like, 'Oh my God,' is this really happening?' It's crazy. You don't see this every day!" McKay said.

She saw that two men escaped and said they appeared to be unharmed, although emergency and medical workers responded to the crash.

A parachute was attached to the plane and was in use as the plane came down, McKay said.

The plane crashed on a pickup truck.

"I was glad they were OK, and I felt bad for the person whose truck they landed on," McKay said.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.click2houston.com




MIDLAND, Texas (KTXS) - A small plane has crashed in a parking lot in Midland.

It landed on a GMC pickup, crushing the roof and windshield.

According to FlightAware, the Cirrus SR22T was scheduled to take off from Midland Airpark at 10:37 a.m., headed for Andrews County Airport.

The cause of the crash is unknown.

Midland police said the pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries.

The plane is registered to TJG Equipment LLC in Midland.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://ktxs.com





















Midland authorities responded Friday morning to the scene of a plane crash in the parking lot of the ClayDesta office complex.

The small fixed wing airplane had recently taken off from the Midland Airpark Airport, according to an email from city spokeswoman Elana Ladd.

The two passengers sustained minor injuries and were not transported to the hospital, according to Ladd.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating what led to crash.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.mrt.com

5 comments:

  1. Did he sling a prop blade or did one come off when he hit the truck ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like it’s embedded in the front left fender of the truck, plane came down nose first, embedded the prop, the settled down backward and snapped it off most likely

      Delete
  2. Flightrada24 shows the plane taking off from a nearby airport.

    ReplyDelete
  3. impressive if the chute helped at that altitude (~500' AGL)

    ReplyDelete
  4. It obviously did help, even though it looked like it only barely fully opened.

    ReplyDelete