…Failure Cited In Second Deployment

Cirrus officials are also hesitant to speculate on the factors leading up to the Canadian mishap or a subsequent chute deployment (this time on an SR22) two days later in Florida. Interviewed by AVweb at Sun ‘n Fun, Cirrus spokesman Randy Bolinger said that in both cases the aircraft have to be examined before any causes can be pinpointed. In the Florida case, Bolinger said, the aircraft was in for some type of electrical repair at an approved Cirrus service center. The owner Jeff Ippoliti was flying it home when he took off into low overcast and reported several instrument malfunctions. Bolinger said air traffic control tried to direct him to VFR conditions on top of second cloud deck but Ippoliti decided to pull the chute. “There are five people walking and talking and flying who might not be,” he noted. Part of the Canadian investigation will be detailed documenting of the parachute deployment and subsequent rescue of the four occupants said Yearwood. Bolinger said the incidents were mentioned by some of those visiting the Cirrus booth at Sun ‘n Fun–but not always in a positive way. He said one patron asked if Cirrus staged the B.C. mishap as a publicity stunt to boost interest at the fly-in.