11 Oct 2019: ZENITH ZENITH 601XLB

11 Oct 2019: ZENITH ZENITH 601XLB — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Gastonia, NC, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to latch the canopy before departure, which resulted in the canopy opening and the subsequent loss of airplane control.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, as the airplane departed the ground, the canopy opened, the airplane landed hard back on the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during a postaccident examination, the canopy latches appeared to be in good condition. He added that the canopy latch handle was located in the middle of the cockpit and operated fine.

The pilot added as a safety recommendation to double check the canopy latch.

Contributing factors

  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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