On October 8, 1983, a Globe GC-1B (registration N80682) operated by Edwin W. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Venice, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, pilot reported cowling opening and began a left turn. Aircraft slowed, entered a left spiraling turn, and impacted ground nose down. Post-crash evidence showed the right front latching handle was unlatched.
Accident Sequence
Immediately after takeoff, the pilot radioed on UNICOM that the engine cowling was coming open and that he was returning to the field. Other pilots waiting for takeoff reported seeing the aircraft enter a left turn between 200 and 300 feet above ground level and become very slow. One of the pilots called on the radio for the pilot to add engine power. The aircraft then entered a left spiraling turn and contacted the ground in a nose-down attitude.
Post-Crash Findings
Examination of the accident site revealed that the right front latching handle of the engine cowling showed evidence of being unlatched at the time of impact. No other information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or pilot status was provided in the source. The investigation did not specify a probable cause beyond the observed unlatched cowling handle.