Veered Left And Pitched Up, Then Descended And Tumbled On The Ground Into A Bean Field

Location: Lamoni, IA Accident Number: CEN21FA299
Date & Time: July 1, 2021, 07:55 Local Registration: N123RE
Aircraft: Cirrus Design Corp SR22 Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 1, 2021, about 0755 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N123RE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Lamoni Municipal Airport (LWD), Lamoni, Iowa. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A review of preliminary air traffic control (ATC) information revealed that the airplane departed about 0640 from Millard Airport (MLE), Omaha, Nebraska, and flew a visual approach at 0735 to Creston Municipal Airport (CSQ), Creston, Iowa. At 0736, the airplane departed CSQ, and the pilot received flight following from ATC until about 14 miles northwest of LWD, an uncontrolled airport. The pilot did not communicate any concerns to ATC.

Several witnesses observed the airplane fly an approach to runway 36 at LWD. During the landing, the witnesses reported the airplane bounced, and then the engine noise increased. The airplane subsequently veered left and pitched up, then descended and tumbled on the ground into a bean field to the left of the runway. A post-crash fire ensued, during which the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) rocket launched.

Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane initially contacted the ground about 75 ft left of the runway edge and left wingtip debris was located about 60 ft beyond the initial ground scar. Ground impact marks consistent with propeller strikes were located about 15 ft beyond the left wingtip debris. The airplane came to rest upright on a northwest heading about 60 ft beyond the propeller strike ground scars, with the engine separated from the fuselage. No preimpact anomalies were observed with the flight control system. The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov