FLYING Magazine
The pilot of a Cirrus SR22 in Serra Azul, Brazil, survived an in-flight fire resulting in a parachute activation Tuesday, according to early media reports. The 29-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation but suffered no other injuries..
Video of the event shows the engine compartment of the Cirrus in flames and smoke billowing from the aircraft as it descends under the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The aircraft touched down in a field, and the pilot was able to escape before it was completely consumed by fire.
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According to social media, the airplane was on its way from Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport (SBBH) in Belo Horizonte, to Bom Despacho Airport (SNGQ) when there was an explosion and fire in the engine compartment about 14 minutes into the flight.
The Cirrus SR series was the first mass-produced airplane to include a built-in parachute. The POH notes the “Cirrus Airframe Parachute System should be activated in the event of a life-threatening emergency where CAPS deployment is determined to be safer than continued flight and landing.”
The POH procedure for an engine fire in flight calls for securing the engine and landing as soon as possible. The decision to attempt a glide to a suitable runway or pull the CAPS is at the discretion of the pilot.
Brazilian aviation authorities, the FAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the event.