Pilot Debrief

CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT A S SPORTCRUISER near Shirley, NY — 2012-05-17

Final reportERA12CA341
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Date
2012-05-17
Location
Shirley, NY, USA
Airport
HWV
Aircraft
CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT A S SPORTCRUISER
Registration
N297SC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after the cockpit canopy opened during the takeoff climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to securely lock the canopy before takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings. He reported that he opened the canopy to vent the cockpit before takeoff; however, he was unsure if he verified that it was latched and locked. The pilot completed one takeoff and landing, and, on the next takeoff, the canopy lifted off of the frame during the initial climb. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to close the canopy and continued the climb but was unsure if the airplane would maintain clearance from trees located beyond the departure end of the runway. He banked the airplane to avoid striking trees and the airplane entered a stall. The pilot pitched the airplane down and was able to recover it from the stall; however, the airplane impacted the ground resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane and canopy revealed that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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