You see reports like this over and over, relating to AP issues or programming on approaches. Most don't turn out with happy endings. If I'm uncomfortable for a moment with what my AP is doing, it goes straight to heading mode, or off.pelmet wrote:Control problems from the autopilot do seem to be the focus of the report. It does mention that the aircraft started climbing and banking after engaging the autopilot. He then selected straight and level on the autopilot which did not seem to help. Then he deployed the parachute. It is quite possible that much information is missing from the report but it does not mention about pushing the autopilot disengage button first which would seem to be the logical thing to do.
I believe this is a later version of the SR22 if it has a straight and level autopilot function. On the SR22 G1 version which I am familiar with, the A/P disengage button is simply just pushing down on the "coolie hat" trim button on the sidestick.
Like any of the modern aircraft, I can tell from experience on the Cirrus that if you are not quite familiar with the avionics, wrong buttons get pushed and the aircraft does undesirable things.
IMO If one can't accurately hand fly an aircraft in IMC when the AP isn't cooperative, dual is required. Relying completely on technology without ability to take over can be Russian roulette.
