Accident Overview
On January 29, 2025, at approximately 1417 Pacific Standard Time, a Cirrus Design Corp SR22T, registration N124LZ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Santa Barbara, California. The two pilots onboard sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Path and ADS-B Data
A review of ADS-B data showed that the airplane departed from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) and flew west for about 10 minutes before returning to the airport. The data indicated that the pilots performed one touch-and-go landing on runway 15R and remained in the airport traffic pattern. ADS-B data ended approximately one mile north of the approach end of runway 15R, in an area consistent with a base turn to final turn. At the last data point, the airplane's groundspeed was about 120 knots at an altitude of about 375 feet mean sea level.
Impact and Postaccident Examination
The airplane impacted an open field, and a postimpact fire ensued that consumed most of the airframe. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) had been activated. The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.
Probable Cause
The source did not state a probable cause.