Max talks about the accident of N51FM, a Cirrus SR22T at Paso Robles, CA, and emphasizes the importance of understanding approach procedures, particularly when starting an approach from an IF/IAF fix with a racetrack. The accident involved a pilot who failed to follow correct procedures, leading to a crash, though fortunately, all occupants survived. Max breaks down the mistakes made by the pilot and discusses the implications for instrument pilots.
The flight began in Scottsdale, AZ, with the aircraft flying towards Paso Robles after a stop at Big Bear, CA. The host highlights deviations from standard procedures during the approach to Big Bear and the subsequent flight to Paso Robles. The pilot’s missteps include flying the traffic pattern in the wrong direction and excessive speeds that deviated from Cirrus standard operating procedures.
The crucial part of the flight occurs when the aircraft receives clearance for an RNAV (GPS) approach to Paso Robles, specifically to the combined IF/IAF waypoint HOVLI. The host emphasizes the importance of understanding approach segments and when to fly holds at IF/IAFs. In this case, the pilot was required to fly a holding pattern at HOVLI due to the direction of approach. However, the pilot failed to adhere to this requirement, leading to subsequent errors.
After receiving clearance for the approach, the pilot failed to fly the hold at HOVLI, resulting in being significantly above the required altitudes for subsequent fixes. The aircraft’s approach becomes unstable, with including reaching the Vne speed of 208 knots on the approach, and a descent rate that reached 2300 feet per minute. Fortunately, the pilot decided to circle back to runway 19, but instead lined up for runway 13, and then crashing between the two runways.
Max analyzes the human factors that may have influenced the pilot’s decision-making, including pressure to complete the flight, risk perception, and overconfidence. The importance of recognizing and mitigating these human factors is emphasized, highlighting the need for robust training and a safety-oriented mindset.
The accident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of deviating from standard procedures and the importance of maintaining situational awareness and decision-making abilities, especially in challenging situations. The host encourages pilots to prioritize safety, utilize resources effectively, and be willing to execute a go-around when necessary.
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ADSBExchange.com ADS-B data for N51FM flight to Paso Robles
RNAV (GPS) 19 approach to KPRB, Paso Robles, CA
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