Pilot Debrief

Van's Aircraft, Inc. RV-12 near Windom, MN — 2011-08-29

Final reportCEN11LA601
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Date
2011-08-29
Location
Windom, MN, USA
Airport
KMWM
Aircraft
Van's Aircraft, Inc. RV-12
Registration
N73712
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control after liftoff due to his distraction with the unsecured canopy, which he did not lock before takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he inadvertently did not secure the canopy latch after entering the cabin. After liftoff, he noticed air entering the cockpit from the unsecured canopy. He stated that he was distracted with securing the canopy as the airplane descended toward the runway. The airplane collided with the runway as he attempted to reestablish a level flight attitude. The airplane subsequently slid off the right side of the runway into a soybean field. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. Additionally, he stated that the accident could have been prevented had he focused on flying the airplane instead of attempting to secure the unlatched canopy.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have focused on flying instead of securing the canopy.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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