What happened
On 22 August 2013, a Zenair CH 601HD Zodiac, registration G-BVAC, was performing a private flight from Gloucestershire Airport to Oaksey Park. Following a standard pre-flight routine and receiving clearance from the tower, the pilot commenced the takeoff roll on Runway 18.
As the aircraft gained speed and began to lift, the front-hinged cockpit canopy became unlatched and started to rise. In an effort to keep the canopy from lifting further, the pilot used the canopy pull cord. To assist, the pilot instructed the passenger to hold the cord, which required the pilot to move his left hand from the throttle to the control column.
While the pilot attempted to maintain control and accelerate in ground effect, the aircraft entered a shallow dive. This maneuver caused the nose and the right-hand landing gear to strike the runway surface. The impact led to the collapse of the nose gear and caused the propeller to disintegrate upon contact with the ground. The aircraft slid approximately 50 to 100 meters along the runway before coming to a stop with the engine still at full throttle. The pilot immediately shut down the engine, issued a MAYDAY call, and evacuated the aircraft with the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the canopy and the pilot's actions during the critical moments of takeoff. It was noted that the aircraft's canopy is supported by struts that allow it to be propped open for ventilation during taxiing. The investigation examined the possibility that the canopy had been left in a half-latch position prior to departure.
Findings
- The pilot may have left the canopy in a partially latched position before takeoff.
- The pilot's attention was diverted from the engine controls to the canopy and the passenger while attempting to manage the unlatched lid.
- The aircraft's nose and right-hand landing gear struck the runway, leading to the collapse of the nose gear and propeller failure.