What happened
On October 12, 2014, a Cirrus SR20, registered N17LE, was performing a ferry flight from Saipan International Airport to Gimpo International Airport in the Republic of Korea. The aircraft, owned by the Korea Pilot School, was being operated by a contracted pilot. While cruising at approximately 10,000 feet near Kinko Bay, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot reported hearing a surging sound and observing significant fluctuations in the fuel flow gauge before the engine stopped completely.
Following the engine failure, the pilot attempted several restart procedures, including using the auxiliary fuel pump and switching between various fuel tanks. However, the engine failed to restart. Due to heavy headwinds and the approach of a typhoon, the pilot determined that reaching Kanoya Airfield was not feasible. After descending through clouds and identifying a potential landing site near a harbor quay, the pilot activated the aircraft's emergency parachute system. The aircraft struck a field in Nishikata, Ibusuki City, and overturned. Despite the destroyed state of the aircraft, the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined the aircraft's fuel system, specifically focusing on the auxiliary ferry tanks installed for the long-range flight. Investigators reviewed air traffic control records from Kagoshima Radar, analyzed the pilot's flight history and procedures, and performed an overhaul inspection of the auxiliary fuel pump. The investigation also looked into the configuration of the fuel selector valves at the time of the accident and the effectiveness of the emergency parachute deployment.