Pilot Debrief

AS+ LTD AC 4 near Blair, NE — 2017-05-13

Final reportCEN17LA181
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Date
2017-05-13
Location
Blair, NE, USA
Airport
BTA
Aircraft
AS+ LTD AC 4
Registration
N358R
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control due to his diverted attention as he attempted to close the canopy that opened during initial climb.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was making a personal local flight in the glider. The glider's canopy opened during initial climb while on an aerotow, and the pilot attempted to close the canopy. The glider entered an uncontrolled descent, impacted the departure runway and came to rest about 1,500 ft from the beginning of the runway. The glider's side-opening canopy separated from the fuselage and was found along the wreckage path. Postaccident examination of the canopy latching mechanism revealed that it was intact, and the forward and rear canopy latching pins were firmly attached to the canopy frame. The latching mechanism was actuated and functioned normally. The investigation could not determine why the canopy had opened. No mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal glider operation.The pilot was taking the medication gabapentin, which could have slowed his response time; however, the primary issue seems to have been his distraction by the open canopy. Whether effects from his medication use contributed to the pilot's lack of attention to flying the glider at the time of the accident could not be determined from the available evidence.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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