Pilot Debrief

ZENITH ZENITH 601XLB near Gastonia, NC — 2019-10-11

Final reportGAA20CA027
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Date
2019-10-11
Location
Gastonia, NC, USA
Airport
AKH
Aircraft
ZENITH ZENITH 601XLB
Registration
N235JH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to latch the canopy before departure, which resulted in the canopy opening and the subsequent loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, as the airplane lifted off, the canopy opened. Subsequently, the airplane descended and landed hard, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during a postaccident examination of the airplane about a week after the accident, the canopy latches appeared to be in good condition and operated fine. The pilot added as a safety recommendation to "double check the canopy latch."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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