Two recent Cirrus accidents killed a total of seven people. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis have some advice for Cirrus pilots to avoid similar tragedies. They caution newer technology supports, but is not a replacement for, good planning and pilot decision-making.

One accident at Kill Devil Hills airport in North Carolina, killed four adults and one child. Another, in Provo, Utah airport killed both occupants.

The Kill Devil Hills aircraft apparently had the maximum possible number of occupants. Todd shares his experiences flying with a heavily loaded aircraft and how weight impacts safe flight practices. 

Kill Devil Hills Airport has a relatively short runway. Planning and maintaining a stabilized approach, making adjustments for trees and towers, and factoring in weather conditions all need consideration when planning to take off and land there.

Accident investigators are urged to look into the specific training the pilot had for this Cirrus model.

In the Utah flight, the aircraft may have entered an accelerated stall and crashed during a second approach shortly after turning from the downwind leg to the base leg.

Like the first accident, ADS-B data indicated that the accident aircraft did not recently land at the accident airport. The pilot’s lack of familiarity and planning may be key factors in the crash.

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