Pilot Debrief

JUVE RICHARD G ZODIAC CH601 HDS near Clinton, AR — 2011-11-17

Final reportCEN12LA071
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Date
2011-11-17
Location
Clinton, AR, USA
Airport
CCA
Aircraft
JUVE RICHARD G ZODIAC CH601 HDS
Registration
N274
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The inadvertent opening of the canopy during takeoff due to the improperly repaired forward canopy latch mechanism, which did not fully secure the canopy.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, prior to departure, the airplane's canopy was secured in the normal manner. He said that the takeoff was uneventful, but, about 300 feet above ground level, the airplane's canopy began to vibrate. The front right corner of the canopy rose up about 4 inches before the entire canopy lifted in the front and then shattered. The pilot attempted to return to the runway, but the airplane stalled and impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the wreckage found scratches on the forward canopy latch's engagement point consistent with a misalignment of the canopy latch. The examination also revealed that the canopy latches had previously been improperly repaired. As a result, the latch could not fully secure the forward portion of the canopy.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Inspect canopy latches for proper alignment before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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