Incident
On September 14, 2024, at 1248 central daylight time, a Cirrus SF50, registration N442CV, was on approach to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Austin, Texas, when it was struck by an unknown object. The airplane was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, originating from Cincinnati Municipal Airport/Lunken Field (LUK), Cincinnati, Ohio. The pilot reported no injuries, and the airplane sustained minor damage from the impact.
Object Strike
According to the pilot, the object struck the right windscreen, and he believed it was a bird that also damaged the interior sun visor near the top. However, a photograph provided by the airplane manufacturer, Cirrus Aircraft, revealed scraping and color transfer marks—blue, red, and white—extending diagonally from the bottom of the right windscreen near the center post toward the top and outboard side. After landing, the pilot wiped down the airplane and noted an "oily residue" on the windscreen, but no samples were retained.
Emergency Autoland
The impact caused the airplane's Emergency Autoland (EA) system to activate. Data from the central maintenance computer indicated that at 1248, while at about 1,540 ft above ground level and 167 knots, the "Emergency Autoland Activating" warning message appeared in the cockpit for 10 seconds, followed by EA activation for about 10 seconds before deactivation. About 4–5 seconds later, the warning message reappeared for 10 seconds, EA activated a second time, and was deactivated after 9 seconds. The system remained off, and the pilot landed uneventfully at AUS.
The EA system is designed to automatically land the airplane if the pilot is incapacitated. It can be activated by a pushbutton on the overhead console, after one minute of Automatic Level mode engagement, or if Emergency Descent Mode activates and the airplane descends through 15,000 ft. Upon activation, a 10-second waiting period provides visual and aural warnings. The system can be deactivated at any time using the red autopilot disconnect button on the pilot side stick. After the waiting period, EA tunes communication radios, broadcasts automated messages, sets the transponder to 7700, selects a destination airport, and generates a route. On approach, it deploys flaps and landing gear, follows GPS guidance to the runway, and applies wheel brakes after touchdown.
Investigation
Data files from the airplane's Recoverable Data Module were downloaded by the airframe manufacturer and forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for examination. NTSB systems and recorder specialists are assisting. Parties to the investigation include the Federal Aviation Administration and Cirrus Aircraft. The investigation is ongoing.