I think you are conflating parachute, Cirrus and pilot ADM. There's years of clear data that the parachute works very well, so it's no longer a matter of opinion.alanhawse wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 12:07 pm I THINK (but dont know) that the parachute is largely a marketing thing that gives people the illusion of safety and helps you convince a skeptical spouse. I THINK (but dont know) that the parachute fuels bad ADM as a makes people think that it is safe to do x,y,z because a parachute will save them. I THINK (but dont know) that many/some of the situations you might pull the parachute in a Cirrus you would actually be better off flying your way out of.
The data was clear that the Cirrus was less safe.... but that gap has been closed? somewhat closed? by Cirrus aggressively training people to use the CAPS.
The bottom line is that I am an engineer and I believe in data. So everything I said was without data.
To me an airplane that doesnt want to kill you (the DA40NG for sure!) is better than an airplane that wants to kill you but has a parachute.
It's likely true that many pilots are taking stupid risks because they have a parachute. But you can say the same for cars with ABS brakes, stability control and airbags. There's nothing wrong with those tools, but you have to own your ADM. You wouldn't buy a car without airbags because airbags make you an aggressive driver.
Stats are clear that the DA40 has a better safety rate than any Cirrus. But you have to look closer to understand why. Most accidents are pilots killing the airplane and not the opposite. I own a DA62 and had a Cirrus for a couple years before. I'm fine and safe flying both. But I have to own my safety, not blame the airframe.
As other people said above, you can't underestimate the safety of a second engine. If you have a power loss over difficult terrain, water or IMC, a twin will bring you to an airport, if you are a competent twin pilot. A parachute will bring you safely to the ground (from a kinetic energy perspective). On a DA40/50, it's a Russian roulette, plain and simple. You may find a good place to land and roll out safely. Or not.
Honestly, I wouldn't buy a DA50, with the 62 being just a bit more expensive and MUCH more airplane.