Summary
On July 11, 2023, at 2103 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, registration N151SR, was substantially damaged in an accident near Boelus, Nebraska. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Narrative
According to the pilot, the preflight inspection and engine runup revealed no anomalies. The takeoff and climb were routine, and the pilot climbed to about 1,500 ft above ground level (agl) for cruise. About halfway through the flight, the engine briefly missed. As the flight progressed north of Boelus, the engine sputtered briefly and then lost power completely, although the propeller continued to windmill.
The pilot cycled the ignition switch after the first miss, suspecting an ignition issue because the system had been recently serviced. He reported that the engine stopped after he cycled off magneto #1 (left side) and did not restart when switched back on. The right magneto (#2) briefly shut down. He activated the fuel boost pump and switched fuel tanks, but engine power could not be restored.
The pilot initially aimed for a forced landing on a gravel road but, due to power lines and trees, decided to activate the airframe parachute system. The airplane touched down in a cornfield.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a Cirrus SR22 equipped with dual electronic ignition systems. Maintenance records show the left ignition system was installed in January 2015 and the right in August 2022. On December 15, 2022, a magneto pickup was removed and sent for service bulletin compliance. Spark plugs were replaced on April 20, 2023, due to intermittent arcing. The ignition timing was checked on May 23, 2023, with no defects noted.
Flight Data Recorder Information
ADS-B data indicated the pilot departed Werner Ranch Airfield (NE36), Anselmo, Nebraska, at 2034. The flight proceeded southeast toward Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI), Grand Island, at a cruise altitude of about 3,200 ft mean sea level (msl). At 2102:07, the airplane entered a gradual descent. About one minute later, it began a right turn to a southerly course. The final ADS-B data point at 2103:14 showed an altitude of about 2,045 ft msl; the accident site was 112 ft south at an elevation of about 2,026 ft.
Onboard avionics data showed stable engine operation until about 2101:40, when fuel flow decreased from 15.6 to 12.7 gph, then rose to 13.7 gph at 2102:56 before dropping abruptly to zero. Exhaust gas temperatures began decreasing around 2101:40. Engine speed dropped from 2,600 rpm to 1,360 rpm at 2102:50, the end of recorded data.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident inspections of the airframe fuel system and engine revealed no anomalies that would have caused a loss of power. The left ignition coil was impact-damaged but showed no internal anomalies; the right ignition coil could not be tested due to damage. Other ignition system components tested normally.
The ignition system was protected by in-line fuses behind the circuit breaker panel. Both 10-amp fuses (one per ignition coil) were intact. The 2-amp fuse for the left ignition controller was intact, but the 2-amp fuse for the right ignition controller was open and non-functional; no filament was observed. Electrical continuity of ignition power wiring was confirmed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident has not been determined by the investigation.