In this Aviation News Talk podcast episode, Max Trescott examines the crash of N831AZ, a Cirrus SR22, at Provo, Utah, focusing on the technical and situational factors that led to the accident. The aircraft took off from St. George, Utah, and flew for about 90 minutes before entering Provo’s busy traffic pattern for runway 13. The aircraft followed a slower light sport aircraft, leading to spacing and speed challenges in the pattern, which were critical to the crash.
First Approach: Airspeed Management Issues
The podcast outlines the first approach to runway 13, where the Cirrus displayed inconsistent airspeed control throughout. Despite instructions to fly specific speeds (100 knots on downwind, 90 on base, and 80 on final as per the Cirrus Flight Operations Manual), the pilot fluctuated greatly. Initially, the aircraft was 20 knots faster than required on final approach, only to slow to 4 knots below the target by the runway threshold. This constantly decreasing speed was problematic, contributing to an unstable approach and high workload for the pilot.
When discussing why maintaining a stable airspeed is essential, the host highlights several risks. For example, a continually decreasing speed can lead to control issues, making it harder to manage the aircraft’s energy state and potentially causing a stall. In the Cirrus case, the aircraft was instructed to go around due to its proximity to the slower aircraft ahead. However, this action did not remedy the underlying airspeed management issues.
Second Approach: Stalling and Spinning
The Cirrus’s second traffic pattern had some improvements but ultimately led to the crash. Airspeed control remained inconsistent, and the aircraft decelerated too rapidly during the base turn. Within seconds, the speed dropped from 86 knots to 70 knots—well below the target speed. This led to a stall and subsequent spin, with eyewitnesses reporting the plane made two full turns before crashing into Utah Lake.
The crash was severe, with the airframe sustaining heavy damage. A parachute was visible on the water’s surface, though it was unclear whether the pilot deployed it or if it was deployed by the impact.
The Importance of Airspeed Stability
Throughout the episode, the host emphasized the importance of airspeed stabilization, citing it as a major factor in both this crash and a similar accident involving a DA42 at AirVenture. Stable airspeed allows the pilot to maintain better control over the aircraft, reduces workload, and minimizes the risk of stalling. In contrast, pilots who allow their airspeed to fluctuate are at greater risk of being distracted, losing focus, or encountering control issues.
The host also discussed how adding flaps can cause a rapid deceleration, especially in a Cirrus. To counteract this, pilots should simultaneously push forward on the control stick and adjust the trim when adding flaps. Failure to do so can cause the nose to rise, leading to a dangerously slow airspeed.
Spacing Issues and Situation Awareness
Another point discussed was how the Cirrus pilot’s failure to manage spacing with the slower Sport Cruiser contributed to the accident. At one point, the Cirrus was only 0.3 nm behind the slower aircraft, prompting the controller to issue a go-around. However, the pilot did not adequately slow down, further complicating the situation.
The podcast underscored the responsibility of pilots in faster aircraft to maintain adequate separation, particularly at busy airports. In this case, the Cirrus pilot might have been inexperienced in managing such scenarios, especially coming from a non-towered airport like St. George, where traffic patterns are often less congested. The lack of a robust avionics system in this older Cirrus, which could have provided critical traffic information, may have further hindered the pilot’s ability to manage separation and situational awareness.
Lessons in Training and Aircraft Type
The podcast also touched on broader trends in Cirrus accidents, particularly those involving older models like the SR22 involved in this crash. The host pointed out that older Cirrus aircraft, especially those with round gauges and lacking modern avionics, have significantly higher accident rates than newer models equipped with the Perspective or Perspective+ systems. He speculates that this is partly due to the fact that pilots flying older aircraft may not invest as much in high-quality training.
The accident Cirrus was an older model (#3 in the SR22 series), and it’s suggested that the pilot may not have received sufficient training in managing airspeed and spacing in busy environments. This is particularly relevant when considering that the pilot had obtained his medical certificate in 2021, suggesting that he might have only been flying for a few years.
Final Thoughts and Safety Recommendations
The episode concludes with key takeaways from the crash. The most important lesson is that maintaining proper airspeed is critical for safety in the traffic pattern. The podcast host advises pilots to pay attention to their airspeed during each leg of the pattern, use trim effectively when adding flaps, and practice stabilizing their airspeed to avoid the risks of stalling.
Furthermore, the host stresses the importance of training, particularly in aircraft like the Cirrus SR22, which requires careful management of its high performance. He also advocates for better situational awareness and maintaining a sterile cockpit during critical phases of flight to minimize distractions.
The crash serves as a tragic reminder of the need for pilots to stay vigilant, well-trained, and fully engaged in every aspect of flight operations, particularly in complex traffic patterns.
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