SR22
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 383; Flight Crew Type 329
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was on final approach and had an autopilot malfunction. I crossed my IAF at the required altitude and then after reducing my air speed (to be able to engage 50% flaps); before the FAF; I noticed the plane was going into a rapid descent. I tried to reprogram the auto pilot but decided to disengage the auto pilot and hand fly the approach and landed without incident. As a corrective measure I will monitor the actions of the auto pilot more closely. I noted that the terrain warning system was activated; I am not sure if it was; but there was a warning activated based on the altitude that was preselected.
SR22 pilot reported an autopilot malfunction that led to a rapid descent prior to disengaging the autopilot and hand flying the aircraft.