AAIB Report: Cirrus SR22, Ballistic recovery system deployed after engine failure, Calshot Spit, Hampshire
Passing 1,400 ft in a descent towards an airfield the engine of a Cirrus SR22 (G-CTAM) started to run roughly and subsequently lost power. The pilot turned the aircraft parallel to the shore and deployed the aircraft’s Ballistic Parachute Recovery System. The parachute descent was successful and both occupants escaped from the aircraft uninjured, 31 May 2020.
The aircraft suffered a loss of power, probably due to fuel starvation, but the cause of the fuel starvation could not be determined.
It is possible that one fuel tank ran dry, and that the engine did not fully recover when the fuel tank was switched because the fuel pump had not been set to boost and the pilot had not kept this tank selected for long enough. However, the possibility of a fuel leak causing both tanks to run dry could not be ruled out.
The pilot, believing that it would not be possible to glide to land, deployed the Ballistic Parachute Recovery System (BPRS) and the aircraft descended by parachute into the sea. Both those on board escaped uninjured.
The investigation highlighted the importance of:
• setting the fuel pump switch to boost when changing fuel tanks
• checking the fuel gauges for fuel quantity and any imbalance
• ensuring the serviceability of the fuel indication system
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