Fatal Cirrus SR22 Crash Near Sundre Under Investigation

Casualties unknown • CA

A privately operated Cirrus SR22 crashed near Sundre, Alberta, resulting in three fatalities after the aircraft entered a spin and subsequent spiral dive.

What happened

On a flight originating from Calgary/Springbank Airport, a Cirrus Design Corporation SR2XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX22, registered C-FGLA, was conducting a visual flight rules round robin mission. The aircraft was traveling toward Sundre, Alberta, with three occupants on board. After performing a touch-and-go landing at Sundre Airport, the aircraft climbed to approximately 5,600 feet above sea level.

During the flight, the aircraft's airspeed decreased significantly. The aircraft then entered a right-hand turn that transitioned into a spin. Following the initial spin, the aircraft entered a spiral dive characterized by a rapid increase in descent rate and airspeed. The aircraft struck the ground in a field at a high speed and a steep angle, resulting in a severe post-impact fire. All 3 occupants were fatally injured.

The investigation

Investigators analyzed onboard data recordings, radar data from NAV CANADA, and the aircraft wreckage. The examination of the wreckage showed that the main impact area was compact, indicating a high-speed, nose-low impact. While the forward section of the aircraft was destroyed by fire, the aft tail section remained intact.

Investigators looked into several potential factors, including pilot performance, aircraft mechanical failure, and the deployment of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the familiarity of the passengers with the specific aircraft type. Additionally, the status of relevant airworthiness directives was examined.

Findings

  • The aircraft decelerated to an aerodynamic stall, which led to the entry of a spin.
  • The aircraft transitioned from the initial spin into a spiral dive, and the pilot was unable to recover before impact.
  • The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) was not activated during the descent.
  • It could not be determined which occupant was operating the controls at the time of the loss of control, though the flight characteristics were consistent with a pilot experiencing difficulty maintaining precise control during slow flight.
  • The Transport Canada Continuing Airworthiness Web Information System contained incomplete references to service bulletins, which could potentially mislead owners regarding maintenance requirements.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin due to undetermined reasons, followed by a spiral dive from which recovery was not achieved. Furthermore, the aircraft's parachute system failed to deploy during the loss of controlled flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-09-24 Sundre, Alberta, 5 nm NW accident near CA?

A privately operated Cirrus SR22 crashed near Sundre, Alberta, resulting in three fatalities after the aircraft entered a spin and subsequent spiral dive.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-09-24 involved a Sundre, Alberta, 5 nm NW, operated by Cirrus Design Corporation SR22, C-FGLA, at CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin due to undetermined reasons, followed by a spiral dive from which recovery was not achieved. Furthermore, the aircraft's parachute system failed to deploy during the loss of controlled flight.

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