[sokoloff]

This is indeed the early experience with BRS, which has been substantially addressed via training which started with some complex scenario-based messaging and later evolved to a more simplified “pull early, pull often” which has resulted in a bias in a better direction for human safety.

[MaxBarraclough]

What's the risk to the people below?

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

[cameldrv]

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.

[MaxBarraclough]

> 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.

[EricE]

>What's the risk to the people below?

A lot less than from a plane traveling at terminal velocity!

[agloeregrets]

I mean, would you rather the plane crash at 30mph at a chosen point or at 200mph wherever it leads?

[sokoloff]

Once you’re under chute, the airplane is picking the arrival spot.

[agloeregrets]

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.