What happened
On October 21, 2025, at approximately 0944 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, registration N42BE, crashed near Ruston, Louisiana. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
Earlier that morning, the aircraft departed Huntsville Municipal Airport (UTS) in Texas, bound for Ruston Regional Airport (RSN). During the approach for the RNAV RWY 36, the pilot requested a go-around. Air traffic control (ATC) instructed the pilot to climb to 2,000 feet and turn right to a heading of 120 degrees. During communications, the pilot mentioned difficulty programming the autopilot and confirmed he was "hand flying" the aircraft. No further communications were received.
The aircraft struck a 60-foot tree before hitting three additional trees at altitudes of 30 feet, 27 feet, and 24 feet. The aircraft was in a left bank and nose-low attitude at the time of impact. The crash resulted in 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Data from the airplane's recoverable data module (RDM) indicated the engine was producing 2500 rpm (91% power) with normal cylinder head and exhaust gas temperatures at the time of the accident. The engine was impact separated from the airframe.
Examination of the engine revealed:
- The intake pipes for all six cylinders were impact separated.
- The exhaust stacks were impact damaged and separated.
- The propeller and crankshaft flange were separated from the engine.
- The three-bladed metal propeller showed rotational scoring and an "S" bend.
The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) was found partially deployed, consistent with impact. While the parachute remained in its bag, the cables were extended, and the ballistic rocket was located 330 feet from the initial tree strike. The cockpit CAPS handle was in the stowed position, though the ground safety pin was not installed.