There’s a huge difference in the danger to those on the ground between an 15000 lb fighter jet going hundreds of mph and a small 3000 lb airplane descending at about 15 mph (plus the wind speed).
It’s possible that the Cirrus could hurt or kill someone but I don’t think it’s happened in the about 100 parachute activations so far.
Re:Midair Collision over Denver
by MaxBarraclough on Thursday May 13, 2021 @01:03PM
(#27144513)
> There’s a huge difference
Of course there is, that's the reason I emphasised it.
> I don’t think it’s happened in the about 100 parachute activations so far
That's good, although there could be a selection effect there: pilots might be more hesitant to deploy it if they think the falling aircraft could do harm.
>What's the risk to the people below?
A lot less than from a plane traveling at terminal velocity!
Re:Midair Collision over Denver
by agloeregrets on Thursday May 13, 2021 @03:25PM
(#27146239)
I mean, would you rather the plane crash at 30mph at a chosen point or at 200mph wherever it leads?
Once you’re under chute, the airplane is picking the arrival spot.
Re:Midair Collision over Denver
by agloeregrets on Friday May 14, 2021 @08:13AM
(#27153374)
Yes, but you get to choose when you pull the chute, whereas if you lose say, your elevator control, You don't get any choices here.
I'm reminded of a 2011 airshow crash of a Red Arrows T1 jet which, at least according to this account, [0] may have involved the pilot heroically making the decision not to personally eject, but to crash the aircraft away from crowded areas, perishing as a result. Of course, the aircraft itself had no parachute, unlike a Cirrus. (Also, I'm uncertain if that account of the incident is consistent with later investigation. The relevant quote is not from any investigation, but from a politician.)
[0] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-14838982