Cirrus SR22 – Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) Deployed

2018-04-08
C-GMDQ, a privately operated Cirrus SR22 aircraft, was conducting a flight from Bedford County, PA (KHMZ) to Massena Intl/Richards Field, NY (KMSS) with one pilot and 2 passengers on board. While flying on an Instrument Flight Plan (IFR) at 9000 feet ASL in the vicinity of Lowville, NY, the pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to enter an unusual attitude and got spatially disoriented. As a precaution, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) was deployed. While the aircraft descended with the parachute, the pilot shut the engine down and declared a Mayday. The aircraft landed vertically upright and all 3 occupants evacuated the aircraft with minor injuries. Subsequently, the wind dragged the aircraft and flipped it inverted, causing substantial damage.