Fatal Cirrus SR22 Accident Near Osage Beach, Missouri (N949CG)

Accident Overview and Initial Observations On August 16, 2020, at approximately 1320 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, registration N949CG, was destroyed in an accident near Osage Beach, Missouri. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Witnesses and airport security cameras recorded the flight preparing for a cross-country departure. A witness near the aircraft during startup reported that the pilot flooded the engine and observed fuel leaking from the engine cowling and down the nosewheel. Video footage showed three unsuccessful engine start attempts before the engine started on the fourth attempt. A large puff of smoke emerged from the engine compartment after the engine started but before taxiing began; no smoke was observed after the aircraft began taxiing. ## Takeoff and Loss of Control During takeoff, witnesses reported black smoke coming from the engine compartment, and surveillance video confirmed the aircraft was trailing smoke. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported on the airport’s common traffic advisory frequency that he was returning to the airport. Witnesses observed the aircraft entering a left turn about 100 feet above trees before descending steeply into the ground. ## Flight Data and Wreckage Examination Data from an onboard GPS receiver indicated the aircraft reached a peak altitude of about 200 feet above ground level. It then rolled left from about 30° to about 50° before rapidly rolling to the right, becoming inverted, and descending into terrain. The wreckage was found in a heavily wooded area about 0.3 miles from the departure end of the runway. Much of the aircraft was consumed by fire. A postaccident wreckage examination did not identify any preimpact anomalies with the engine or airframe, and no source of inflight overheating or fire could be identified due to the condition of the wreckage. ## Investigation Findings No pilot logbooks were located during the investigation. Autopsy and toxicological test results for the pilot showed no evidence of smoke inhalation, and toxicological tests were negative for all substances tested.