Cirrus officials are also hesitant to speculate on the factors leading up to the Canadian mishap or a subsequent chute deployment (this time on an SR22) two days later in Florida. Interviewed by AVweb at Sun ‘n Fun, Cirrus spokesman Randy Bolinger said that in both cases the aircraft have to be examined before any causes can be pinpointed. In the Florida case, Bolinger said, the aircraft was in for some type of electrical repair at an approved Cirrus service center. The owner Jeff Ippoliti was flying it home when he took off into low overcast and reported several instrument malfunctions. Bolinger said air traffic control tried to direct him to VFR conditions on top of second cloud deck but Ippoliti decided to pull the chute. “There are five people walking and talking and flying who might not be,” he noted. Part of the Canadian investigation will be detailed documenting of the parachute deployment and subsequent rescue of the four occupants said Yearwood. Bolinger said the incidents were mentioned by some of those visiting the Cirrus booth at Sun ‘n Fun–but not always in a positive way. He said one patron asked if Cirrus staged the B.C. mishap as a publicity stunt to boost interest at the fly-in.
…Failure Cited In Second Deployment
Key Takeaways:
- Cirrus officials are investigating two recent parachute deployments involving their aircraft—one in Canada and one in Florida—emphasizing that causes cannot be pinpointed without examining the aircraft.
- In the Florida incident, an SR22 pilot deployed the parachute due to instrument malfunctions after taking off into low overcast conditions, resulting in the safe rescue of five occupants.
- The incidents generated significant discussion at the Cirrus booth during Sun 'n Fun, with reactions ranging from appreciation for the safety system to cynical questions about the timing of the events.
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