ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 287038
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| Date: | Monday 20 April 2009 |
| Time: | 12:00 LT |
| Type: |  Rutan VariEze |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N77JM |
| MSN: | 308 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 301 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-235 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Santa Teresa, New Mexico -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Santa Teresa, NM (5T6) |
| Pensacola Regional Airport, FL (PNS/KPNS) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot said he became distracted while talking to another airplane on the radio. He didn't complete the takeoff checklist and forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff. The pilot took off and after climbing about 10 to 30 feet, the canopy popped open. The safety catch stopped the canopy from opening completely. With his left hand, the pilot attempted to close and lock the canopy. Being unsuccessful, he removed his right hand from control stick and grabbed the canopy latch. Control was lost and the airplane impacted the runway, struck a landing light, and skidded off the runway. The landing gear was sheared off, and a canard and a wing were crushed.
Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, his failure to latch the canopy prior to takeoff, and his failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist due to his diverted attention.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB CEN09CA258
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 03-Oct-2022 19:49 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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