Cirrus SR22 F-HTAV accident at Aix les Milles

Flight and accident sequence On 11 May 2013, a privately operated Cirrus SR22, registration F-HTAV, was returning from Madrid Cuatro Vientos to Aix les Milles with a pilot and two passengers. The flight plan called for VFR to the AGENA point and then IFR to Aix les Milles. Near Aix les Milles, at the owner's request, the pilot diverted to Le Castellet for a touch-and-go, where he made an approach and go-around due to ground wind. He was then cleared for a visual approach to runway 33 at Aix les Milles. The approach was stabilized at about 90 kt with full flaps and the autopilot disengaged, in turbulent conditions from a strong northwesterly wind. During the flare, the aircraft banked about 10° left, the left wheel touched the runway, and the aircraft bounced. The pilot applied full power at about 60 kt; the stall alarm sounded, the nose rose to about 12°, and the aircraft banked sharply left, rolled, and struck the grass strip between the runway and taxiway. It crossed the taxiway and came to rest on its back in front of a hangar near the control tower. The passengers evacuated before emergency services arrived. ## Aircraft and operational factors The Cirrus SR22 is a four-seat, single-engine light aircraft with a 310 hp Teledyne Continental IO-550-N engine, side yokes, a single lever power control, and a glass cockpit. The flight manual calls for disengaging the autopilot, applying full power, and retracting flaps to 50% during a go-around, with a recommended climb speed of 75 to 80 kt. Rapid power application produces a pitch-up and left roll moment that require prompt elevator and rudder control. The aircraft's mass and center of gravity were within limits. It was equipped with a ballistic parachute, but the required placard indicating its presence was not installed on F-HTAV. ## Pilot, training, and weather The pilot held an instructor and instrument rating and had more than 600 hours, mainly in piston single-engine aircraft under 200 hp. He had told the insurer he was current on the Cirrus SR22 with three hours on type and EFIS and single lever power control endorsements, but his logbook was not found, so this could not be verified. He had not completed the manufacturer's familiarization course. He had given two instructional flights at the owner's request: one four days before the accident with maneuvers and circuits at Vinon and Aix les Milles, including a go-around he initiated, and one about two days before the accident focused on the Garmin 1000 avionics, with circuits at Aix les Milles. Estimated weather at Aix les Milles was CAVOK with strong turbulence from the surface to 1,500 m; the controller reported wind 320° at 18 to 28 kt. Most flights at local flying clubs had been cancelled because of the wind and turbulence. ## Investigation findings and recommendations Wreck examination and recorded data showed no failure likely to have contributed to the accident. Fuel quantity in each wing could not be determined. The pilot had not activated the ballistic parachute, and the aircraft had not been secured before the wreckage was moved. The BEA concluded the accident was probably due to insufficient pilot control corrections during a go-around in strong wind, with the pilot possibly surprised by the intensity of the engine effects. The missing parachute placard posed a potential danger to rescue and other responders. The BEA recommended that AESA require specific performance-related training for Cirrus SR20 and SR22 pilots and consider how to account for manufacturer training recommendations when a particular need is identified.