Pilot Debrief

MDS FYING LLC ZENITH ZODIAC CH 650 near Fort Pierce, FL — 2014-12-30

Final reportERA15LA087
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Date
2014-12-30
Location
Fort Pierce, FL, USA
Airport
FPR
Aircraft
MDS FYING LLC ZENITH ZODIAC CH 650
Registration
N419PE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The inadequate modification of the airplane’s canopy latching mechanism, which resulted in the inadvertent opening of the canopy while on final approach to land and a subsequent loss of pitch control.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the experimental amateur-built airplane, and before the engine run-up, he locked the canopy by pushing the two canopy latches forward against the latch bolts. The pilot also verified the locked position of the canopy again before departing for a local flight, during which he planned to perform several touch-and-go landings. He reported that there were no in-flight abnormalities, but on short final approach for landing, the canopy unexpectedly opened. The airplane pitched nose down, and the pilot attempted to correct the abrupt maneuver by applying engine power and pulling back on the control stick; however, the airplane continued to descend and impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the cockpit canopy's locking system had been modified from the design provided by the airframe kit manufacturer. Functional testing revealed that the canopy latching mechanism was difficult to operate and to close fully and lacked a positive indication for determining if it was securely closed and locked. It is likely that, during the accident flight, while on final approach to land, the inadequate modification to the canopy latching mechanism allowed the canopy to open in flight, which rendered the airplane uncontrollable.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Ensuring the canopy was properly closed before approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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