On February 4, 2006, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR-22 (registration N667WP) was involved in an aviation accident near Stuart, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident were a reported instrument failure, pilot disorientation, and instrument meteorological conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and his wife reported instrument trouble and requested return to airport before radar contact was lost. The wreckage was found 3 miles offshore at 60-foot depth. Engine exam revealed no anomalies; CAPS fired but parachute failed to deploy due to water resistance.
Departure and Initial Contact
The airplane took off at 1556 local time. Approach Control observed the airplane in a turn. At 1559, one of the pilots reported they were having trouble with their instruments and requested clearance to return to the airport. This was the last communication with the flight. Radar contact was lost at 1600.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
Both the pilot and his wife were instrument rated. The airplane was instrument equipped and certified for instrument flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Wreckage and Recovery
The wreckage was located in the ocean approximately 3 miles offshore at a depth of 60 feet. The memory device recovered from the MFD was damaged to the extent that no data could be extracted.
Engine and CAPS Examination
Engine examination revealed no anomalies. Examination of the CAPS rocket motor indicated it had fired when the airplane struck the water. This broke the activation cable and put pressure on the igniter spring. Water resistance, however, kept the parachute from deploying.