TWO CIRRUS CHUTES POP IN ONE WEEK, FIVE PEOPLE WALK AWAY -- There were two separate incidents in the last 10 days involving general aviaion airplanes where under normal circumstances all aboard would have died. What's different about these two incidents is that both pilots were flying Cirrus airplanes. Cirrus pioneered the concept of a rocket-launched whole airframe parachute system using the BRS technology originally built for ultralites and other sport aircraft. Many in the general aviation commununity initially felt this approach was either unnecessary or worse could lead to complacency in piloting skills.
Five people in two separate incidents only days apart are alive today because of that concept. Albert Kolk, 67, was flying a SR20 over mountains in British Columbia at 11,500 feet. The aircraft had more fuel in one tank than the other, causing a tendency to bank toward the heavier tank. In severe turbulence, the aircraft went out of control. He pulled the chute, and Kolk and his three passengers walked away uninjured after the airplane landed in rugged terrain. They had to be winched out by helicopter. Then on Saturday, Jeffrey Ippoliti, 41, encountered a problem in his SR22 after departing from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida. The aircraft apparently entered IMC conditions at 400 feet. The aircraft, reported to have suffered pitot-static and electrical failures, has been checked by Cirrus reps. Though both incidents are currently being investigated by aviation officials, its pretty clear that the parachute works.
9:18:53 AM 
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