Pilot Debrief

EVEKTOR AEROTECHNIK Sportstar Plus near Richmond, TX — 2010-05-29

Final reportCEN10FA278
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Date
2010-05-29
Location
Richmond, TX, USA
Airport
X09
Aircraft
EVEKTOR AEROTECHNIK Sportstar Plus
Registration
N121EV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The opening of the cockpit canopy in-flight due to improper latching, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was on final approach when it suddenly nosed down and impacted terrain about 400 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The airplane came to rest upright. The forward hinged cockpit canopy separated from the airplane during the impact and came to rest about 20 feet from the main wreckage. The pilot (who later died from his injuries) told several witnesses and first responders that the cockpit canopy came open in flight and he subsequently lost control of the airplane. A postaccident examination of the airplane and the cockpit canopy latch mechanism revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. The canopy latch was likely not secured properly before takeoff because there were no witness marks on the latch mechanism.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have secured the canopy before landing to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents18

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