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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 6, 2003 · Dixon Glasair II · N817CD

Columbia, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Columbia, IL
Aircraft
Dixon Glasair II
Tail Number
N817CD
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA318

The amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff when, under maximum braking, it veered off the runway, encountered soft terrain, and flipped over. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the pilot side cabin door inadvertently opened. His attempt to secure the door was not successful and he initiated an aborted takeoff. According to the pilot's statement, the aircraft touched down in a "fast taxi roll" with very little runway remaining. He noted that when he applied maximum braking effort, the aircraft "veered off [the] runway" and encountered soft terrain. The nose gear and left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft subsequently flipped over. The pilot stated that he verified the door was closed and latched as part of the before takeoff checklist procedure. Although the cabin door was damaged during the accident, the pilot reported there were no anomalies with the door latching mechanism consistent with a pre-impact failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff. Contributing factors were the open cabin door, the grass runway and the soft terrain adjacent to the runway.

Full Narrative

On September 6, 2003, at 1500 central daylight time, an amateur-built Dixon Glasair II, N817CD, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff on runway 3 (2,450 feet x 100 feet, turf) at the Sackman Field Airport (H49), Columbia, Illinois. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported minor injuries. The local flight was originating when the accident occurred. In his written statement, the pilot reported that on the takeoff roll the aircraft initially lifted off, however, it settled back onto the runway momentarily. As the aircraft lifted off again, the pilot side cabin door inadvertently "flew open", according to the pilot. His attempt to secure the door was not successful and he initiated an aborted takeoff. According to the pilot's statement, the aircraft touched down in a "fast taxi roll" with very little runway remaining. He noted that when he applied maximum braking effort, the aircraft "veered off [the] runway" and encountered soft terrain. The nose gear and left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft subsequently flipped over. The pilot stated that he verified the door was closed and latched as part of the before takeoff checklist procedure. Although the cabin door was damaged during the accident, the pilot reported there were no anomalies with the door latching mechanism consistent with a pre-impact failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportCOLUMBIA (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length2450 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDixon Glasair II
Tail NumberN817CD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data