Pilot Debrief

COLLINS RV6A near Pekin, IL — 2016-08-18

Final reportCEN16LA329
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Date
2016-08-18
Location
Pekin, IL, USA
Airport
C15
Aircraft
COLLINS RV6A
Registration
N576RV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to latch the canopy before takeoff, and his subsequent distraction and failure to maintain control while attempting to close the open canopy, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that, before takeoff, he waited with the engine running for about 10 minutes while other traffic departed. While waiting, he unlatched the canopy to allow air into the cockpit; however, he failed to re-secure the canopy before takeoff. Just after the airplane lifted off the runway, the canopy tilted up, and, while attempting to close it, the pilot "got distracted and neglected to fly the airplane." The airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall and impacted terrain. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured the canopy was latched before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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