What happened
On 10 August 2010, a Cirrus SR20, registration N470RD, was conducting a private flight from Weston, Ireland, to Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. During the flight, the pilot decided to abort the planned route due to approaching weather and attempted to reprogram the GPS and adjust the autopilot to return to the departure airfield.
While the pilot's attention was focused on the centre console controls, the aircraft entered an unusual attitude. The pilot eventually noticed the aircraft was in a steep descent and attempted to recover control. After a brief attempt to pitch the nose up, the pilot activated the aircraft's ballistic recovery system (BRS). The aircraft descended under the parachute and impacted a tree in the Oxfordshire countryside. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's flight data, including parameters from the Primary Flight Display (PFOD) and Multifunction Flight Display (MFD). Analysis of the recorded data revealed that the aircraft's flight path became unstable, involving significant changes in heading and bank angle. At the moment of BRS activation, the aircraft was traveling at 187 kt, which was significantly higher than the manufacturer's maximum demonstrated deployment speed of 135 KIAS.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological reports and interviewed the pilot. While the pilot initially reported entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the investigation could not confirm this. The engineering examination of the aircraft's flight controls, engine, and autopilot systems found no mechanical defects or malfunctions.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted from flight monitoring to the autopilot and GPS controls during a critical phase of flight.
- The aircraft entered a developing spiral dive while the pilot was preoccupied with cockpit settings.
- The BRS was deployed at an airspeed of 187 kt, which exceeded the maximum demonstrated deployment speed.
- There was no evidence of a mechanical failure in the aircraft's primary flight controls or engine.