Accident Overview
On December 20, 2025, at approximately 1302 central standard time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, registration N242AZ, was substantially damaged in an accident near Springfield, Missouri. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal cross-country flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight and Incident Details
The airplane departed General Dewitt Spain Airport (M01) in Memphis, Tennessee, around 1130. About one hour and twenty minutes later, while cruising at 8,000 feet mean sea level, the pilot received a Crew Alerting System (CAS) message indicating high turbine inlet temperature (TIT). Following the appropriate checklist, the pilot reduced fuel flow to the engine, which cleared the CAS message but caused the engine to run roughly. Over time, the roughness increased, although engine instruments showed normal operation.
The pilot decided to divert to Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF) and began a descent. Upon reducing power, the engine performance worsened significantly. The pilot descended at the airplane's best glide speed and prepared for a forced landing on a road. During the forced landing, the pilot moved the power lever forward, but the engine did not provide any thrust.
The pilot landed on the southbound lanes of US Highway 65, approximately 9 miles east-northeast of SGF. During the landing, the left wing struck a road sign, causing the airplane to cross the median and come to rest upright in the northbound lanes. The pilot and passenger egressed without further incident. A post-crash fire ensued and partially consumed the airplane.
Aircraft and Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. It was equipped with a Continental Motors IO-550-N51 reciprocating engine and a Hartzell PHC-J3YF-1N/N7605C 3-blade, controllable-pitch composite propeller. The aircraft was recovered to a secure facility for future examination. The accident occurred in daylight conditions on a highway, with no involvement of air traffic control reported.
Probable Cause
The investigation source did not state a probable cause for this accident.