Friday, July 02, 2021

Loss of Control in Flight: Cirrus SR22 G2, N123RE; fatal accident occurred July 01, 2021 near Lamoni Municipal Airport (KLWD), Decatur County, Iowa










Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Airmark Group LLC


Location: Lamoni, Iowa 
Accident Number: CEN21FA299
Date and Time: July 1, 2021, 07:55 Local 
Registration: N123RE
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 1, 2021, about 0755 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N123RE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Lamoni Municipal Airport (LWD), Lamoni, Iowa. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) information, the airplane departed Creston Municipal Airport (CSQ), Creston, Iowa, at 0736, and flew to LWD. The pilot received flight-following from air traffic control (ATC) until about 14 miles northwest of LWD, an uncontrolled airport. The pilot did not communicate any concerns to ATC prior to leaving the frequency. The last ADS-B information showed the airplane on short final to runway 36 at LWD with a groundspeed of 74 knots.

Several witnesses saw the airplane bounce during the landing on runway 36, followed by increase in engine noise “as if just making a touch and go.” Witnesses then observed the airplane bank left, with the left wing tip striking the ground. The airplane then “cartwheeled” and impacted the ground to the left of the runway. A postimpact fire ensued during which the pilot and passenger were not able to egress the airplane.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 54, 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: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 3, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: December 28, 2020
Flight Time: 166 hours (Total, all aircraft), 45 hours (Total, this make and model), 23 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate: 
Age: 15, Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

The pilot began flying in 2019. On November 4, 2020, the pilot failed a practical examination for a private pilot certificate that required reexamination for the areas of takeoff, landing, go-around, and navigation. On December 28, 2020, the pilot earned a private pilot certificate flying a Cessna 172. On March 28, 2021, the pilot completed transition training for the SR22 that included about 23 hours of flight instruction.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N123RE
Model/Series: SR22 1051 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2004 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1051
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 1, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 132 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1157 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 310 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The airplane was equipped with an emergency egress hammer located in the center armrest that could be used to break through the windows. The use of the hammer to egress was described in the emergency procedures section of the pilot operating handbook.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLWD, 1135 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 142°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Creston, IA (CSQ) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lamoni, IA (LWD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 07:36 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: LAMONI MUNI LWD 
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 1131 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18/36 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2900 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go around

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: On-ground
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.630195,-93.902882

The airplane initially contacted the ground about 75 ft left of the runway edge and about 1,050 ft beyond the runway 36 threshold. Left wingtip debris was located about 60 ft beyond the initial ground scar and the debris path was on a heading of about 300°.

Ground scars, consistent with propeller blade strikes, were located about 15 ft beyond the left wingtip debris, and the distance between five ground scars was about 3 ft. The airplane came to rest in a soybean field (see figure) about 60 ft beyond the propeller strike ground scars.

The airplane sustained significant fire damage. Flight control continuity was confirmed, and the wing flaps were in the retracted position. The engine separated from the airframe during impact sequence. Engine continuity was established throughout the rotating group, valve train, and accessory section during hand rotation of the crankshaft. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions were observed during the postaccident examinations of the engine and airframe.

Additional Information

According to the FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Aerodynamics of Flight (Chapter 5):

To the pilot, “torque” (the left turning tendency of the airplane) is made up of four elements that cause or produce a twisting or rotating motion around at least one of the airplane’s three axes.

These four elements are:

1. Torque reaction from engine and propeller
2. Corkscrewing effect of the slipstream
3. Gyroscopic action of the propeller
4. Asymmetric loading of the propeller (P-factor)

The effects of each of these four elements of torque vary in value with changes in flight situations…to maintain positive control of the aircraft in all flight conditions, the pilot must apply the flight controls as necessary to compensate for these varying values.

Medical and Pathological Information

An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Ankeny, Iowa. The cause of death was thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Toxicology testing identified a carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 23% in the pilot’s blood, which was a level consistent with smoke inhalation.

=========

Location: Lamoni, IA
Accident Number: CEN21FA299
Date & Time: July 1, 2021, 07:55 Local 
Registration: N123RE
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 1, 2021, about 0755 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N123RE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Lamoni Municipal Airport (LWD), Lamoni, Iowa. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A review of preliminary air traffic control (ATC) information revealed that the airplane departed about 0640 from Millard Airport (MLE), Omaha, Nebraska, and flew a visual approach at 0735 to Creston Municipal Airport (CSQ), Creston, Iowa. At 0736, the airplane departed CSQ, and the pilot received flight following from ATC until about 14 miles northwest of LWD, an uncontrolled airport. The pilot did not communicate any concerns to ATC.

Several witnesses observed the airplane fly an approach to runway 36 at LWD. During the landing, the witnesses reported the airplane bounced, and then the engine noise increased. The airplane subsequently veered left and pitched up, then descended and tumbled on the ground into a bean field to the left of the runway. A post-crash fire ensued, during which the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) rocket launched.

Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane initially contacted the ground about 75 ft left of the runway edge and left wingtip debris was located about 60 ft beyond the initial ground scar. Ground impact marks consistent with propeller strikes were located about 15 ft beyond the left wingtip debris. The airplane came to rest upright on a northwest heading about 60 ft beyond the propeller strike ground scars, with the engine separated from the fuselage. No preimpact anomalies were observed with the flight control system. The airplane was retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N123RE
Model/Series: SR22 1051
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLWD,1135 ft msl 
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 360°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Creston, IA (CSQ)
Destination: Lamoni, IA (LWD)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: On-ground
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.630195,-93.902882 

Bear J. Nichols
September 26, 2005 - July 1, 2021


On July 1st 2021 we all lost a very bright and shinning star too soon. Bear J. Nichols, 15 yr old was sadly sent to heaven with his Grand Uncle David Paladino in a small plane crash in Lamoni, Iowa. 

Bear was born in CA on September 26, 2005. He moved to Phoenix in 2020 to live with his father Ted Nichols and his stepmother Julie Nichols. 

Bear had a heart as big as a whale. His smile and attitude would light up any room. He loved playing guitar and was very active in pursuing his interest in acting. Even at such a young age he had an amazing work ethic and was saving up to buy his own first car. 

His entire family is obviously distraught and heart broken. No parent should ever have to lose their child at any age. Bear was taken by God for a purpose that only he knows. 

Bear is survived by his mother Megan Bull, stepfather Garrett Bull, half stepsister Daisy and three stepbrother's Logan, Nathan and Ian.


Paladino, David Joseph
October 23, 1966 - July 1, 2021



Born in Omaha to Therese and Joseph Paladino, Jr.. David graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School, and went on to receive a Master's Degree in Real Estate from MIT, and a Stanford Business Leadership Degree. Dave was the owner and operator of Dino's Storage, Paladino Development Group, and Landmark Group.

Dave had a zest for life. He was a mentor to many, loved God and his Church, time spent with his family and grandchildren, Nebraska football, Crossfit, reading, and learning. His other passion was Bull Mastiff rescue. He loved them like his children.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Herbert and Genevieve Crilly, and Angeline and Joseph Paladino, Sr. Survived by wife, Lisa; children: Zechariah, Alexander, and Ila Paladino; step-children, Benjamin and Krystal Little; grandchildren: June, Violet, and Oliver Little, and Isabelle Parker all of Omaha; siblings: Kevin Paladino (Cindy) of Lubbock TX, Jason Paladino (Ranelle) of Phoenix AZ, and Luke Paladino (Angie) of Omaha; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles.

The family lost two angels as David's great-nephew, Bear Nichols, age 15 was with him as they met the Lord. Gone too soon but loved forever in our hearts.

Family will Receive friends Wednesday, July 7th, from 5pm to 7pm at the Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108th Avenue. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, July 8th, at 10:30am at Christ Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Camp Rivercrest, Fremont, NE.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER,
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
7805 W. Center Rd. | www.heafeyheafey.com

32 comments:

  1. Seems to be an extraordinary number of Cirrus accidents and incidents!

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    Replies
    1. I think the very same thing.....and I don't think it is the fault of the airplanes.

      Delete
  2. Flightaware shows first landing at Creston though it does show the aircraft descended 3000 feet and was lined up to land straight in with a tailwind, then climbed back up 3770 ft for a do over following pattern into Creston, landing then leaving again then off to Lamoni presumably. Betting he started to turn to attempt to go back to Creston then changed back to Lamoni. Lots of indecisiveness indicated while dealing with a problem. Impossible turn turn attempted after losing power on aborted landing? Prayers for the families and so sad he didn't let his passenger out after finding safety.
    https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N123RE/history/20210701/1158Z/KMLE/KCSQ

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    Replies
    1. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N123RE/history/20210701/1158Z/KMLE/KCSQ
      https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N123RE/history/20210701/1236Z/KCSQ/KLWD
      https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a06053&lat=40.686&lon=-93.998&zoom=11.1&showTrace=2021-07-01&leg=4

      Delete
    2. A check of archive KLWD AWOS shows no gusting. Headwind was on the nose for landing on 2900' RW36 at KLWD.

      KLWD 011245Z AUTO 01007KT 10SM CLR 21/18 A3004
      KLWD 011250Z AUTO 36005KT 10SM CLR 21/18 A3004
      KLWD 011253Z AUTO 36007KT 10SM CLR 21/18 A3005

      Delete
    3. Could the brief landing and takeoff on 4900' of runway at Creston have been one more practice landing before attempting the landing at Lamoni's 2900' runway, one thousand feet shorter than the familiar 3900' runway of home airport KMLE?

      The aircraft had a night practice flight with landing and takeoff at Columbus Municipal Airport the evening before the accident and did two landings on return at KLWD, just before midnight.

      Night flight to Columbus and back:
      https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N123RE/history/20210701/0305Z/KMLE/KMLE

      Looking closer at the Columbus maneuvering:
      https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a06053&lat=41.491&lon=-97.480&zoom=10.0&showTrace=2021-07-01&trackLabels&timestamp=1625109885

      Night return from Columbus, with two landings at KMLE:
      https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a06053&lat=41.201&lon=-96.123&zoom=13.4&showTrace=2021-07-01&leg=2&trackLabels

      Delete
    4. ^^ typo, should be "two landings on return at KMLE" not KLWD.

      Delete
  3. Cirrus sells more aircraft than anyone else. Sell 3x the aircraft except 3x the incidents. These aircraft are also flown more, so incidents per flight hour will most likely look like the industry standard. Given all the safety equipment built-in, it should be lower. Guess a guess, but maybe these new cirrus drivers need more training.

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    Replies
    1. Safety equipment is nice, but all the safety equipment in the world will not save the pilot if they make the wrong move at low altitude/airspeed. The Cirrus is a sweet airplane but it’s definitely far less forgiving than the trainers most people use to earn their PPL. More training is definitely needed, should be mandatory.

      Delete
  4. The Cirrus is simple and well designed with several solid state devices replacing clunky/outdated and unreliable crap like vaccum pumps etc.
    It is a slick machine not for the one lacking skills or proficiency and sadly a bunch of older G1 and G2 models have now become affordable enough so newbie and newly minted private pilots considering this a hobby get in one.
    Real emergencies happen real fast and a pilot who has never experienced one will be caught with deer in the headlight look.
    Also to blame is the lack of actual training for go-arounds. Especially at the private pilot level. Most 250 hrs CFI aiming for their 1500 hrs and getting the hell out of there never did much of these and will not train their students to do it either.

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  5. I wonder why there are so many Cirrus aircraft accidents. I know it is a high performance aircraft, but even so the accident rate for these aircraft is really high.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. According to the NTSB, for the period of Jan 01, 2021 to end of Jun, 2021 the number of incidents and accidents for the following manufacturers is listed below.

      Cessna: 145 (16 fatal)
      Cirrus: 9 (4 fatal)
      Piper: 89 (12 fatal)

      I just put that there for people who care about facts.

      Delete
    2. Yeah, but it seems like more because there have been 4 fatalities in Cirrus aircraft in the past three weeks. Going back to June 18.

      Delete
  6. Many of the accidents with these airplanes are either at takeoff or while landing. That is pretty typical of all GA accidents. Because these airplanes are high horsepower and very aerodynamic, they are fast. Like many high performance aircraft, they have a narrow margin of stability when flow near the edge of their performance envelope. The requirement to keep airspeed controlled when maneuvering is often where the departure from controlled flight happens. Those departures are often found when changing the bank or pitch angle as the stall speed is close to the normal flight speed when taking off or landing. Bank angle increases the load on the wing and just a few knots too slow will result in a stall and spin at an altitude too low for recovery or deployment of the CAPS. Lifting the nose at high power before the airspeed is high enough for rudder or aileron to generate enough force to counter torque, "P-Factor" or the propeller's natural gyroscopic precession leads to the pilot loosing control of the airplane.

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  7. I believe Cirrus needs to go through a design recertification from the FAA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you believe the certification was not performed or was fraudulent?

      If certification was actually performed in accordance with the FARs, what would be the goal or benefit in repeating the process?

      Delete
  8. As with any airplane, if you fly the numbers as stated in the POH, you'll likely never have an accident.

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  9. I think* it's the unconventional controls. I could fly left hand/left stick but I would be much more comfortable/proficient right hand/right stick.

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  10. There are dozens of these go around accidents in the database from aircraft of all makes.. so I doubt the type will be causal. If you attempt to climb and or bank at too slow an airspeed, whether full power or not, something bad usually happens… condolences to family and friends of those lost.

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  11. Cirrus incorporates a lot of nice design and safety features into their aircraft. You have to remember that as an aircraft manufacturer the more aircraft you sell and put out the more accidents your going to see with that make and model. The CAPS system is a second chance, but it rarely helps out in situations like this where the altitude is not sufficient for a successful deployment. I think a lot of Cirrus owners like Mooney and Bonanza owners get into the complex aircraft game too soon in their training and experience. I did not even bother touching a complex aircraft until I had about 400 hours under my belt. And even at that I was still a low time pilot.

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  12. Middle School to Ninth grade year was fun with you Bear. Thank you for always being kind. We all love your enthusiastic energy. You’re such a great person. I’m glad we had that video call that early 2021. We miss you a lot. It was fun how we talked. After the video call I messaged you a few times and it was nice talking to you again. Thank you for everything. Your friend C.S

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  13. I’m back again Bear and all I can say is that I miss you. You’re always going to be an amazing friend. Miss you so much thank you for everything.

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  14. I’m back again Bear and all I could say is that I miss you. Lots of love. ~Your friend C.S

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  15. I'm back again Bear, I think I might be in the acceptance stage now. You’re an incredible friend, I’m glad how at one point in my life we met. Turns out you and Allie are friends! I found a lot of comfort with talking to her. Miss you lots Nichols! Your friend ~C.S

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  16. Hi again Bear, I came back, I think a lot about you, especially today on all souls day. We miss you so much Bear! Thank you for all the happiness you brought me. Miss you lots as always, I got a tiny bear today and it reminded me of you. Miss you so much. Your friend ~C.S

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  17. There so many more things I want to say Bear, but what an incredible person you always will be. You mean so much to me. Thank you for the promises you kept. Thank you for all the kind words you said to me. Wish we had a lot more video calls, so many more I wish. What an incredible person you are Bear. Thank you for everything. Your friend ~C.S

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  18. Hi Bear, I’m back again. I miss you so much, thank you for being in my life Bear. I miss seeing you in school. You made me smile and laugh so much. We miss you so much Bear, so much. Your friend ~C.S

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  19. Hi Bear, I miss you so much, everything hurts so badly. You mean so much to me, and I just so badly wish you were here. Talked to our friends, Ash and as you called him “Cammy” and he said that we need to stay strong for you. Of course you wouldn’t want to see us in this great deal of pain. And I’m going to try to remember our good memories instead. Thank you for being in my life Bear. Your friend ~C.S

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  20. Hi Bear, miss you a lot Bear! Feeling s lot better now. I miss our video calls. Haha, man we just laughed through the night. 8th grade was also funny, when I was like “Bear is God”. Remember in the call when you said being called God is the best compliment? We smiled so much that night. We had really nice conversations, thank you for saying “I think that’s the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me”. Well, I miss you a lot. See you in my dreams. ~Your friend, C.S

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  21. Hi Bear, I’m back again, even though it’s just been a couple of days. Honestly this hurts, and it will hurt. I miss your smile, I remember when we were calling, and I was taking a screen shot and you had the biggest smile. Thank you for being in my life. Honestly, I saw you as being in my life. I was going to be there when you were going to be a famous actor. You made me so happy. This will hurt a lot, wouldn’t it? It’s been almost two years now. I know you wouldn’t want me to feel this way, but I just wish you were here by my side instead. I miss you so much Bear, I miss you so much. Thank you for being my friend. Your friend ~C.S

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  22. Hi Bear, I think about you a lot. I’m glad I get to see you, even though only in my dreams. Thank you for all the joy and laughter you brought me. You are an incredible person. Thank you for everything Bear, thank you so much

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