Accident Overview
On August 29, 2010, at 1657 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 (N451TS) registered to Ellis Aviation LLC and operated by Aero Atlantic Flight Center experienced a total loss of engine power while descending near Acworth, Georgia. The aircraft was on an instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91 with a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a private pilot receiving instruction. Both occupants were uninjured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The flight originated from Cobb County Airport-McCollum Field (RYY) at 1430. After climbing to 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl), the aircraft proceeded to Dalton Municipal Airport (DNN), where it performed eight touch-and-go landings before departing at 1530. A full-stop landing was made at Barwick LaFayette Airport (9A5) at 1550, followed by a taxi back, engine run-up, and departure at 1615 for return to RYY. According to the CFI, the fuel gauges indicated 14 gallons in each main tank prior to departure. The flight was at 3,500 feet until the CFI instructed a descent to 3,000 feet. Approximately 8–9 miles west-northwest of RYY, the engine lost all power. The CFI took control, activated alternate air, and initiated engine-out procedures. He turned toward a golf course and executed a forced landing without deploying the ballistic parachute. The airplane touched down on the fairway, struck two trees, and came to a stop.
Post-Accident Examination
On August 30, 2009, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft. The right main fuel tank was intact and contained fuel, while the left main fuel tank was ruptured with no fuel present. No browning of vegetation was observed under the left wing. Recovery personnel drained 16 gallons from the right tank. The Multi-Function Display (MFD) compact flash card was retrieved and analyzed; data showed fuel usage reached a maximum of 29.9 gallons at 16:55:44 EDT, then recorded 0.0 gallons. The engine was later tested after repairs: it started normally, and a magneto check showed drops within normal range. Power was advanced to 2,700 rpm and 25 inches of manifold pressure with oil pressure at 50 psi. An oil leak from a damaged standby alternator mounting flange was noted, and oil was added before resumed testing. Engine shutdown via mixture control was successful.
Fuel Consumption Analysis
Fuel calculations were performed using the SR22 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and temperature data. The POH lists 1.5 gallons of unusable fuel per tank, with 1.5 gallons consumed for engine start, taxi, and takeoff, and 1.3 gallons for climb. At 74% power, 29°C, and 4,000 feet pressure altitude, the fuel flow is 18.5 gallons per hour. The pilot’s total estimated flight time was 2 hours 20 minutes; actual flight time per MFD was 2 hours 7 minutes. Using POH fuel flow, total fuel required was approximately 46.25 gallons, with remaining fuel estimated at 37 gallons if the tank was switched once at a 30-minute interval. The operator reported a fuel burn rate of 14–15 gallons per hour. Using 14 gph, total fuel used was 36.64 gallons, with 29.64 gallons remaining after a single tank switch. The left tank was found empty and ruptured, and no definitive cause for the loss of engine power was identified from the fuel examination alone.