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NTSB Report
October 18, 1996 · Burns Burn Experimental Experiment · N239AH
Sitka, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 18, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Sitka, AK
Aircraft
Burns Burn Experimental Experiment
Tail Number
N239AH
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA004
The pilot stated that he was in a hurry, and was trying to complete his takeoff before the arrival of an inbound jet. He stated that he did not lock the cockpit canopy. During takeoff, approximately 10 feet in the air, the canopy came open, and the airplane fell to the runway and was damaged.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to follow the checklist and secure the cockpit door/canopy.
Full Narrative
On October 18, 1996, at 1152 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped experimental airplane, model Burns Burn, N239AH, registered to and operated by the pilot, crashed during takeoff at Sitka, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, was departing runway 29 at Sitka for a local flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane received substantial damage. According to rescue personnel, the pilot stated that he was in a hurry and trying to complete his takeoff prior to the arrival of an inbound jet. He stated that he did not lock the cockpit canopy. During the takeoff, approximately 10 feet in the air, the canopy came open and the airplane fell to the runway.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:52 AKDT
Nearest AirportSITKA (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length6500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBurns Burn Experimental Experiment
Tail NumberN239AH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC