What happened
On January 30, 2011, at approximately 0558 MST, a Cirrus SR22, registration N787CB, struck terrain in a creek bed near Bennett, Colorado. The flight was being conducted by a solo private pilot practicing night instrument approaches at Front Range Airport (FTG). The flight originated from Centennial Airport (APA).
During the approach, the pilot received clearance to perform a practice GPS 35 approach. Upon reaching the AVNEW intersection, the pilot initiated a right turn toward the HRMER intersection. While turning, the pilot looked to the right to cross-check the GPS and configure the autopilot. The pilot reported feeling the aircraft accelerate rapidly. Upon returning his attention to the Primary Flight Display (PFD), he observed a severe unusual attitude.
Despite attempts to correct the attitude, the pilot experienced severe vertigo and was unable to regain control. Consequently, the pilot activated the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in a nose-low attitude. The pilot sustained one minor injury and was not killed.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft at the accident site showed the front cowling was crushed and the engine firewall was buckled. Representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturers inspected the aircraft and found no anomalies suggesting a preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction.
Data downloaded from the Avidyne Entegra PFD and MFD confirmed the pilot's account. The flight data showed the aircraft underwent significant pitch and roll oscillations, with pitch reaching 26 degrees nose up and 75 degrees nose down. Roll angles reached 83 degrees to the right and 120 degrees to the left. Just before the parachute deployment, the aircraft reached a maximum indicated airspeed of 190 knots.