Pilot Saves Passengers By Deploying Parachute System After Aircraft Loses Engine Power

Mar 24, 2023

Riding in a plane can be scary, especially for first-time travelers. But time and again, people are being reminded that flying is the safest form of transportation known to mankind. Then again, the reality is no one can assure absolute safety, as there are things that are beyond anyone’s control. Then again, Plus, people have more reasons than one to ride a plane – including reaching a long-distance destination which can only be made possible through plane rides. Well, that’s it if a person wants to reach his/her destination as fast as possible. Each time people ride a plane, passengers automatically put their lives in the hands of pilots. At the end of the day, it’s all about putting one’s trust in them – especially during times of distress. Well, six people onboard a plane did just that – and the pilot successfully helped save their lives.

In March 2023, a single-engine Cirrus SR22 got caught in an engine failure after it took off from the Pampulha Airport in Belo Horizonte in Brazil.

The Cirrus SR22 with PS-VAC registration was manufactured in 2022 and belonged to Bradesco Leasing e Arrendamento Mercantil, but operated with Volare Equipamentos Aéreos, according to Airdatanews.

Good thing the pilot immediately deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System. It is considered one of the few aircraft that has a whole-plane emergency recovery parachute system.

For those who didn’t know, the CAPS system is a whole-plane ballistic parachute recovery system used in Cirrus Aircraft’s general aviation light aircraft, including the SR20, SR22, and SF50. The system was first certified in the US by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1998. 

It has saved around 249 lives so far.

“Pilot reported loss of engine power during cruise, attempted return to airport, and activated CAPS when realizing there was insufficient glide range,” the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association said in its report.

In the video, the plane bounced as soon as it landed and made an impact right after it hit the ground.

Thankfully, the pilot saved all the passengers, which included a 3-year-old and a baby. Based on the report, none of the passengers suffered any injuries.

“The entire crew was conscious, oriented and without apparent injuries,” the Minas Gerais Military Fire Department said in a statement as per the New York Post.

Meanwhile, several people said they were surprised to know that some aircraft have their own parachutes, while others praised the technology used to help save the lives of the passengers onboard the plane.

“Interesting, I didn't know there were planes with this parachute system,” one person said. “Unbelievable. Hats off to the engineers who made this happen. Truly inspiring,” another person said. “CAPS saves the day again! Great job to the engineers and to Cirrus for putting this onboard their aircraft,” another person remarked.

Some also said more private jets should be equipped to help save more lives in the future.

“This should be standard on all private jets, they definitely save lives,” one person said.

Some people, on the other hand, said they would want to see such features in bigger aircraft – including commercial planes – but acknowledged that it’s impossible.

“That is one of the best safety feature on a small airplanes but of course it can’t be fitted on bigger jets,” one person said.

What are your thoughts about the pilot’s fast response in the aircraft’s parachute system? Let us know your thoughts, and pass this on to people who might find this story interesting!