Accident Summary
On June 23, 2024, at approximately 0906 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22T airplane, registration N87AQ, was substantially damaged during a takeoff accident at Boerne Stage Field (5C1) in Boerne, Texas. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot receiving instruction, the flight instructor, and a passenger were not injured.
Preflight and Takeoff
According to the flight instructor, the preflight inspection and engine run-up were normal. During takeoff, when the airplane reached about 20 to 30 feet above the runway, a Crew Alerting System (CAS) message for fuel flow illuminated. The engine immediately began sputtering and did not provide sufficient power to climb. The flight instructor attempted to land on the remaining runway but could not stop the airplane before it departed the runway and struck a fence. Both wings sustained substantial damage.
Service Bulletin and POH Guidance
Cirrus Mandatory Service Bulletin SB2X-42-18R3, issued September 12, 2019, introduced a software change that includes a CAS message for fuel flow exceeding 42 gallons per hour (gph). The Cirrus SR22T Pilot’s Operating Handbook states that excessively high fuel flows may lead to a loss of engine power and potential engine failure. It specifies that if fuel flow exceeds 42 gph, maintenance is required.
Postaccident Examination
A review of onboard data revealed that fuel flow to the engine peaked at about 45 gph on the accident flight. After the accident, the engine was examined and run. When started and idled at around 1,200 rpm to reach operating temperatures, the power lever was moved to the full forward position. The fuel flow immediately increased to about 44 gph and manifold pressure rose to about 37 inHg. The engine then ran rough, and black smoke was observed from the exhaust. The power lever was reduced to 1,000 rpm and the engine was shut down. No other anomalies were found during the engine run.
Maintenance History
Maintenance logs indicated that the airplane had undergone a 100-hour inspection on June 7, 2024, 15 flight hours before the accident. During that inspection, the mechanic performed engine setup in accordance with the Cirrus SR22T Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 73-20 and Continental Motors Maintenance Manual M-18. An operational check was conducted with no discrepancies noted by the mechanic. However, the mechanic was unable to provide documentation of the operational check, including the unmetered fuel pressure, manifold pressure, fuel flow at 2,500 rpm, and idle rpm rise, which should have been recorded per the AMM.
Previous Fuel Flow Anomalies
Data from the airplane’s remote data module, recovered by the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, showed that fuel flow had reached at least 42 gph on several flights prior to the accident. According to a flight instructor who had flown the airplane previously, he received a fuel flow anomaly indication each of the four times he flew it. That instructor stated that the high fuel flow was known to be a common issue with the airplane. However, the flight instructor on the accident flight reported that he was not made aware of the fuel flow anomaly.
Subsequent Resolution
After the accident, the purchaser of the airplane found that the fuel flow was set too high and adjusted it before flying. Following the adjustment, the airplane completed a 1,000-mile flight with no anomalies reported.