What would cause a Cirrus SR22 CAPS sys to not deploy?

Question

Just inquiring over a recent accident involving this a/c. Something other than pilot error or a popped c/b. Not familiar with this a/c, so just wondering. Also, weather was not an issue (no ice involved). Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with the particular incident (a link would be handy)

CAPS deployed below 1500 feet AGL is likely not going to do much good. (it takes that much time to deploy the chute and slow the aircraft.

CAPS isn't to be deployed above 130knots [I'm a little rusty on the precise airspeed, but it's around there.]

There is a safety pin that is to be removed from the deployment handle prior to flight. If the pilot forgot to remove it, and still pulled on the handle, the pin could have become bent in the handle, making deployment nearly impossible.

The Handle requires 75 pounds of downward force. It's possible that the pilot was either not strong enough to pull it, or, if the airplane were out of control, the forces exerted on the occupants may have made it difficult or impossible for them to pull the handle and exert 75 pounds of force.

A malfunctioning squib (the piece that fires the rocket) may have rendered the system inoperative.

A leak could have rendered the propellent in the system inert.

The straps that hold the parachute go under the skin of the airplane to four attach points. The straps literally rip the skin off the plane to release these straps. It's possible that there was some unforseen condition that made this portion of the deployment malfunction. (the airplane could have been going too slow, pointed straight up, been spinning too violently, etc.)

The parachute may simply have failed to inflate. (it happens sometimes)

There are a bunch of ways the system can fail, but it's a great system. I flew the Cirrus and felt pretty good about having that system on the airplane.

There is one case I heard of that was quite interesting where a non-instrument rated pilot ended up flying around in a cloud and overcontrolling the airplane into disorientation. He attempted to deploy the chute, but was unsuccessful. The airplane regained stability by itself (the way it's designed to) and flew out of the cloud. He landed safely later.