Pilot Debrief

JOHN MURPHY JSX-2 near Chesterfield, MO — 2017-05-07

Final reportGAA17CA272
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Date
2017-05-07
Location
Chesterfield, MO, USA
Airport
SUS
Aircraft
JOHN MURPHY JSX-2
Registration
N458V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure that the canopy was properly secured before takeoff, which resulted in an unstable landing flare and hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after takeoff, about "100 ft. above ground level," the canopy opened and the airplane became "very hard to control." He added that he was able to return to the airport to land; however, during the approach, the airplane was unstable due to the "pitching and yawing." Subsequently, during the landing flare, when he reduced engine power, the airplane touched down hard, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane exited the runway to the right and came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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