Test Pilot Lost In 1999 In SR20 Flight Testing Program

Test pilot Scott D. Anderson, who was one of Cirrus' lead pilots during development of the SR20, was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 24, 2010. A resident of Duluth, MN, Anderson was also an Air National Guard F-16 fighter pilot. He died when his SR20 test aircraft went down on March 23, 1999 at the age of 33.

Photo Courtesy Cirrus

“Scott was an exemplary pilot and person,” said Dale Klapmeier of Cirrus Aircraft. “During his tenure at Cirrus, he made considerable contributions to the company, the industry, and aviation safety that many people still benefit from today.  Scott was the lead test pilot on the SR20 and preformed all 8 of the inflight deployments of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) for development and certification. To date, 17 CAPS deployments have saved 35 lives due to Scott’s pioneering work.” 

When not flying, Anderson was a canoe adventurer, author and musician. On its website, the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation said he had a "zest for life and a gift for inspiring others to believe in the power of possibility." After his death, the Scott D. Anderson Leadership Foundation Fund was established through Community Foundation. The fund allows about 70 high school students to receive scholarships for values-based leadership training each year.

The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame honors pioneer and historic aviation persons in a lasting and significant way. Each year, members inducted into the hall of fame are recognized for their vision to promote a healthy aviation climate in the state.

FMI: www.dsacommunityfoundation.com/MN_Aviation.shtml, www.mnaviationhalloffame.org