Accident Overview
On 17 March 2023, the pilot of a Cirrus SR22, registered VH-XGR, was conducting a private instrument flight rules flight from Southport, Queensland to Bankstown, New South Wales. During the landing at Bankstown, the aircraft sank onto the runway and bounced for about 5 seconds. It then rapidly entered a steep climbing left turn, reaching a maximum height of approximately 40 ft. The bank angle exceeded 90°, and the aircraft dropped onto its left wing and nose.
Post-Impact Events
When emergency services arrived, the aircraft was inverted on the grass between runways. The left wing had detached, and fuel was leaking from the right side. The pilot was strapped in, conscious but confined. After blanketing the site with fire suppression foam and stabilizing the wreckage with step blocks, ambulance personnel attended to the pilot. Rescue personnel used a reciprocating saw to cut the left side of the inverted fuselage to extricate the pilot. Upon extrication, the pilot's condition suddenly deteriorated; they were taken to hospital in critical condition and later died from injuries sustained in the accident.
During rescue, the site commander was advised that the aircraft was equipped with a ballistic parachute (CAPS). A Cirrus-qualified maintenance engineer then rendered the system safe to prevent inadvertent activation.
ATSB Findings
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that in the early stages of a go-around from an unstable landing, the pilot was unable to counter the substantial torque effect associated with high engine power, low airspeed, and high pitch angle. This resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
Additionally, emergency responders were initially unaware that the aircraft had a ballistic parachute and began recovery with the system still armed. The risk of inadvertent rocket activation and injury was increased. Cirrus Aircraft had provided training, education, and placards to mitigate this risk, but the training had limited reach and the placards did not clearly communicate the danger.
The ATSB also identified an opportunity for Cirrus to enhance go-around training and educational products, especially for SR22 models with relatively high-power engines.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
Cirrus Aircraft advised that they had enhanced external CAPS placarding on two new aircraft models (SF50 and another in development) to align with ASTM standards. The SR2X series was certified before these standards. Cirrus was reviewing the possibility of enhancing the placard for SR2X. During the draft report review, the ATSB sought input from Cirrus on enhancing go-around training for high-power SR22 models. Cirrus did not advise of any associated safety action.
The ATSB directed first responders and airport operators to the Advisory Guide for First Responders and the ATSB webpage on hazards at aviation accident sites.
Probable Cause
In the early stages of a go-around from an unstable landing, the pilot was unable to counter the substantial torque effect associated with high engine power, low airspeed, and high pitch angle, resulting in loss of control and collision with terrain.