12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Cirrus SR-22 | N969SS

March 20th, 2025 | LaFayette, Georgia

Accident Location

  • City: LaFayette
  • State: Georgia
  • Latitude: 34.694444
  • Longitude: -85.2875
  • Airport ID: 9A5

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N969SS
  • Make: Cirrus
  • Model: SR-22
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Jones, Russell
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 48
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: Yes
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: Unknown
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: March 20th, 2025
  • Time: 2:30 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Landing
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 1
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 2
  • NTSB No: ERA25FA151
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that both the CFI and the left seat pilot receiving instruction did allow the gliding low power approach in a tight turn to continue well below DMMS with the aircraft pitch up considerably, likely in an attempt to make it to the runway. It is possible that the student and instructor were practicing some variation of a power off approach, or a simulated engine failure, with emphasis on making it back to runway 20. Numerous witnesses saw the banking, nose high, low power approach and subsequent stall. The Probable Cause is lack of speed awareness.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilot of all aircraft closely monitor speeds and bank angles during this type of training and simulation, and abort early if the outcome becomes in doubt.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.