Accident Overview
On February 27, 2024, at 1822 eastern standard time, a Cirrus Design Corp SR20, registered as N485DA, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Sanford, Florida. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot receiving instruction was seriously injured, while the flight instructor and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured.
Flight Details
The flight departed Sanford International Airport (SFB) at 1718 for an instrument training lesson. On the return to SFB, the pilot under instruction, using a view-limiting device, was conducting a practice instrument approach to runway 9R. According to the pilot, the tower controller switched them between runways 9R and 9L before the flight instructor requested runway 9C. When the instructor directed the pilot to remove the view-limiting device, the pilot saw the airplane was low on the approach. The instructor acknowledged this and instructed a practice short field landing. During the approach, the instructor noted the airplane was still low, took control, and added power. Shortly after, the engine lost all power. The airplane then struck a parked, unoccupied airplane short of the runway and came to rest on a grassy area next to the airport ramp. A fire ensued and was extinguished by first responders.
Fuel and Engine Information
Before departure, 34 gallons of 100LL fuel were added to the two fuel tanks, which already contained an unknown quantity. The flight instructor confirmed that the fuel was divided between the tanks, bringing each to “tab plus 5 gallons.” Fueling documents from the flight school showed the 34-gallon addition but no total fuel quantity onboard prior to departure.
Examination of flight data from the Multi-Function Display and Primary Flight Display showed an initial reduction in fuel flow at 18:17:55 during descent. Fuel flow briefly increased at 18:18:20, then gradually decreased starting at 18:18:30 to 2.5 gallons per hour. Complete loss of engine power occurred at 18:18:50.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical defects or discrepancies that would have precluded normal operation. The crankshaft rotated 720° with force, compression and suction were present on all six cylinders, and the oil filter showed no contamination. The oil level was about 6½ quarts of clean oil.
During the airframe examination, the right wing fuel tank was intact; 1/4 gallon of clean 100LL fuel was drained from it. The left wing fuel tank was breached, and the postimpact fire was primarily confined to the aft left side. The fuel selector was found in the “right” position and was not manipulated by first responders. First responders did manipulate the boost pump toggle switch and fuel mixture knob to the “off” and “idle cut-off” positions. The flap position switch and actuator were found in the 0% or “UP” position. According to the Cirrus Pilot Operating Handbook, normal approach speed with flaps up is 88 knots; the PFD recorded an indicated airspeed of 68 knots about 6 seconds before impact. Total useable fuel is 56 gallons; filling to the “tabs” equates to 20 gallons per tank. The operator’s checklist for the approach states the fuel selector should be placed to the “fullest tank.”