Pilot Debrief

Zenith CH601 near Junction City, KS — 2018-10-22

Final reportGAA19CA037
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Date
2018-10-22
Location
Junction City, KS, USA
Airport
3JC
Aircraft
Zenith CH601
Registration
N105JT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot in the experimental, amateur-built airplane reported that, about 5 minutes after takeoff, he felt air coming into the cockpit from the canopy. He noticed that the canopy latch was not adequately secured and attempted to secure it, but the canopy opened. The airplane became very difficult to control with the canopy open, so he made an emergency landing in a cornfield. During landing, the nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures 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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