In 2003, mechanical and maintenance were the major cause of 15% of all GA accidents, and 7.5% of fatal accidents

Typically, one mistake or failure—a precipitating event—leads to another in a cascading series of malfunctions and mistakes, culminatiing in an accident. This is called the accident chain.

By any calculation, the average pilot could fly many, many lifetimes without having an accident of any sort, let alone a much more rare fatal mishap.

In 2003, electrical/ignition failures accounted for 3% of all accidents, and 0% of fatal accidents.

2004 Nall Report

  
 

CIRRUS Monthly Proficiency Program
3 part series on IFR operations
August – Part 1: Electrical Systems



Alleviate Increased Workload

  • Engage the autopilot to fly the airplane while you troubleshoot the situation.
  • Use the electronic checklist on the MFD to scroll through the checklist.

IMPORTANT: If you lose ALT 1, and BAT 1 is completely drained, the MFD will not be operational and the electronic checklist will not be usable. It’s advisable to carry in the airplane a paper checklist that you can easily access in an emergency. You can purchase a laminated checklist, which includes a layout of the circuit breaker panel for all CIRRUS airplanes, at www.CIRRUSconnection.com
  • Communicate with ATC. Inform them of the nature of your situation and ask if they will be able to provide any assistance.
  • Vectors to VFR
  • Vectors to nearest suitable airport
  • A suitable airport has a runway long enough to handle the airplane, and it has a maintenance facility. The field does not necessarily have to have a CIRRUS service center.
  • Declare an emergency if you need to get priority handling.
  • Use all available information in the airplane:
  • Nearest page on the Garmin #1
  • Use this function to locate the nearest airport if a diversion is necessary.
  • Nearest page on the MFD (if power permits)
  • XM weather, in installed, to locate VFR weather (if power permits)

If you need to continue to your destination, the following equipment on the Essential Bus will continue to function.

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