NTSB to Cirrus: Address Fuel Boost Pump Issues with SR22T

Cirrus, SR22T, fuel pump, boost pump, Functional Hazard Assessment, fuel flow, service advisory, NTSB, FAA

Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 02:43 PM ET

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According to the Cirrus pilot’s operating handbook for the SR22T, the electric fuel boost pump has two activation settings. [Courtesy: Cirrus Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB investigated six Cirrus SR22T takeoff accidents between 2017-2019, resulting in three deaths, caused by uncommanded engine power loss due to excessive fuel flow.
The excessive fuel flow was primarily attributed to pilots incorrectly selecting the "High Boost/Prime" fuel pump mode during takeoff, or, in one case, an improperly adjusted fuel system.
Cirrus Aircraft issued service advisories and implemented a software lockout feature to restrict "High Boost/Prime" use at low altitudes, though initial software had issues; the NTSB now recommends a Functional Hazard Assessment and FAA-mandated mitigation.

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After investigating six takeoff accidents involving uncommanded loss of engine power in Cirrus SR22T, the National Transportation Safety Board is recommending the aircraft manufacturer conduct a Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA) to address the issue and mitigate the risk.

According to a report issued on April 12 by the NTSB, the six accidents were the result of excessive fuel flow in the SR22T, which caused engine failure during climb out. The accidents, which happened between 2017 and 2019, resulted in three deaths and nine persons injured.