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 (2017-2019, resulting in three deaths) caused by engine power loss due to excessive fuel flow, often linked to pilots incorrectly selecting the "High Boost/Prime" fuel pump mode during takeoff.
Cirrus Aircraft responded by issuing service advisories reminding pilots of correct fuel pump usage and implementing software changes to restrict the "High Boost/Prime" function at low altitudes, although this lockout feature later had reported issues.
The NTSB recommends that Cirrus conduct a Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA) to identify root causes and implement design modifications or procedural changes, with the FAA ensuring these mitigating actions are properly adopted.

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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.