Cirrus SR22 Accident in West Virginia Under Investigation

On June 21, 2026, a Cirrus SR22, registration N544CD, experienced an in-flight power loss near Windom, West Virginia, and sustained substantial damage upon impact. The flight had departed from Butler County Regional Airport, Hamilton, Ohio, headed for Raleigh-Durham International Airport, North Carolina, operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Initially, the airplane's engine power reduced by 3% before dropping to about 50%, leading to the accident. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

The pilot was unharmed despite substantial damage to the Cirrus SR22.

What has been confirmed

Authorities have confirmed that the Cirrus SR22 experienced a 3% reduction in engine power, followed by a 50% loss of power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine without success. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, yet the pilot was unharmed. The flight was a personal operation under Title 14 CFR Part 91, cruising at approximately 7,000 feet MSL.

Why it matters

For those involved in aviation, this incident highlights the importance of understanding engine management and emergency protocols in single-engine aircraft like the Cirrus SR22. The pilot's successful management of the situation despite severe power loss reaffirms the value of training and preparedness. Events such as this continue to inform safety practices and training procedures both for pilots and aviation educators.

FlyMarshall context

The Cirrus SR22 is a popular choice among private pilots for its advanced avionics and safety features such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). While engine failures in this aircraft are uncommon, they are critical scenarios pilots are trained for. General aviation incidents like this one are less frequent than commercial aviation events but offer valuable learning opportunities for the aviation community.

What happens next

An investigation into the cause of the power loss is underway. The findings will be reviewed to enhance safety protocols and pilot training. For now, the focus remains on understanding the mechanical and operational factors that led to the incident.