Pilot Debrief

Marlin Varieze near Santa Teresa, NM — 2009-04-20

Final reportCEN09CA258
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Date
2009-04-20
Location
Santa Teresa, NM, USA
Airport
5T6
Aircraft
Marlin Varieze
Registration
N77JM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, his failure to latch the canopy prior to takeoff, and his failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist due to his diverted attention.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said he became distracted while talking to another airplane on the radio. He didn't complete the takeoff checklist and forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff. The pilot took off and after climbing about 10 to 30 feet, the canopy popped open. The safety catch stopped the canopy from opening completely. With his left hand, the pilot attempted to close and lock the canopy. Being unsuccessful, he removed his right hand from control stick and grabbed the canopy latch. Control was lost and the airplane impacted the runway, struck a landing light, and skidded off the runway. The landing gear was sheared off, and a canard and a wing were crushed.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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