Incident Overview
During a climbing flight at 16,000 feet, a single-engine airplane encountered the outer boundaries of severe convective weather. The airplane subsequently departed controlled flight, prompting the pilot to deploy the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The airplane descended under parachute and landed in a walnut grove, sustaining substantial damage.
Pre-Flight and In-Flight Weather Awareness
The pilot received a standard weather briefing and reviewed radar and satellite imagery before departing on a 600-mile cross-country flight. Throughout the flight, the pilot observed cloud build-ups and steered west to avoid adverse weather. Approximately one hour into the flight, the pilot climbed from 13,500 to 16,000 feet in an attempt to remain clear of clouds. The autopilot was engaged in heading mode with the vertical speed knob set to maintain a 100-knot climb.
Loss of Control and CAPS Deployment
Radar data indicated that the airplane descended 1,100 feet in 23 seconds, then climbed 1,300 feet in 14 seconds. The pilot heard a "whirring" noise in his headset, prompting him to disconnect the autopilot. Subsequently, the nose pitched up and the left wing dropped. The pilot transmitted that he was out of control and deployed the CAPS. The airplane then descended by parachute to a landing in a walnut orchard.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
Radar track analysis combined with weather surveillance radar imagery showed that the airplane encountered a level 5 (intense) area of convective activity moments before the final descent and CAPS deployment. Radar-derived cloud tops indicated that thunderstorms in the accident area had tops between 15,000 and 20,000 feet. Convective SIGMETs 44W and 47W had been issued during the hour before departure, warning of thunderstorms along the planned route. SIGMET 49W, covering the area where the airplane was flying, was issued approximately 10 minutes before the loss of control.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a pre-impact malfunction or failure of the control system, autopilot, or power plant.