Max talks with John Fiscus of The Flight Academy to break down two Cirrus SR22 accidents that highlight the extremes of safety outcomes in general aviation: one a dramatic survival story, the other a heartbreaking tragedy.
Accident 1: CAPS Parachute Save over Lake Michigan
The first accident involved a Cirrus SR22 (N121JB) that suffered engine failure shortly after reaching 7,500 feet on a flight across Lake Michigan. The pilot and passengers had life vests ready, immediately turned toward shore, declared a mayday, and deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The parachute brought the aircraft down safely into the cold waters, where the occupants were rescued by the Coast Guard.
This outcome underscores why CAPS has become one of Cirrus's most powerful safety innovations. John emphasizes lessons from the accident:
Always wear flotation gear before flying over large bodies of water.
Be cautious of low-time airplanes—this Cirrus had only 75 hours in four years, raising concerns about engine reliability.
Understand the "unwritten rule": don't fly beyond gliding distance over the Great Lakes, where hypothermia makes ditching survival unlikely.
Accident 2: Fatal Go-Around at Franklin County Airport, NC
The second case involved a Cirrus SR22 Turbo (N218VB) attempting to land at Franklin County Airport in North Carolina. Weather was clear, but the pilot approached high, fast, and tight, leaving little margin for error. After abandoning the first landing attempt, the pilot tried again but remained unstable. On the second approach, the aircraft descended steeply and attempted a go-around, which ended in a fatal crash.
John and Max discuss common contributing factors in go-around accidents:
Unstable approaches with excessive speed and descent rates.
Turbocharged engine management—if the mixture isn't properly enriched, adding full power can cause the engine to stumble or quit.
Rudder discipline—failure to apply right rudder is a leading cause of go-around crashes, often resulting in wreckage on the left side of the runway.
Lack of practice—many pilots avoid go-arounds, leaving them unprepared for the demands of the maneuver.
Both accidents reinforce the importance of:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Airline pilots succeed not because they're inherently better, but because they follow strict procedures. GA pilots should do the same.
Go-Around Training: Every pilot should regularly practice stabilized go-arounds under realistic conditions.
CAPS Awareness: The parachute system consistently saves lives when used promptly.
Risk Assessment: Whether crossing lakes or approaching mountainous airports, risk should be mitigated through planning, equipment, and training.
By contrasting a successful CAPS deployment with a tragic go-around accident, this episode drives home the reality that survival often comes down to preparation, discipline, and knowing how to use the tools available.
For Cirrus and general aviation pilots alike, this is an essential conversation on accident prevention, go-around safety, and maximizing the life-saving potential of CAPS.
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There’s always something new happening above the clouds, and Aviation News Talk-Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News is where those stories come together. Host Max Trescott, with four decades of experience flying general aviation aircraft, doesn’t just report the news-he breaks it down from a pilot’s perspective. This podcast serves as a regular hangar session, blending the latest updates with practical knowledge you can use. You’ll hear detailed technical discussions on systems like the G1000 and Perspective glass cockpits, learn the intricacies of flying GPS approaches, and get safety tips that are relevant whether you’re just starting out or have thousands of hours in your logbook.
As an active flight instructor and a Platinum Cirrus CSIP, Max brings his daily experiences straight from the cockpit to each episode. He regularly answers listener questions and hosts interviews that delve into the real-world challenges and joys of flying. The conversation is grounded in a deep commitment to safety and education, aiming to help both current and future pilots navigate the skies with greater confidence. Tune in for a straightforward, informative take on general aviation that feels like getting advice from a trusted mentor. Each episode of this podcast is built on a foundation of real-world experience, designed to inform and engage anyone with a passion for flight.
Author: Max Trescott | Aviation News Talk Network
Language: English
Episodes: 100
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