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NTSB Report
April 20, 2009 · Marlin Varieze · N77JM
Santa Teresa, NM
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Santa Teresa, NM
Aircraft
Marlin Varieze
Tail Number
N77JM
Operator
John E Marlin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA258
The pilot said he became distracted while talking to another airplane on the radio. He didn't complete the takeoff checklist and forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff. The pilot took off and after climbing about 10 to 30 feet, the canopy popped open. The safety catch stopped the canopy from opening completely. With his left hand, the pilot attempted to close and lock the canopy. Being unsuccessful, he removed his right hand from control stick and grabbed the canopy latch. Control was lost and the airplane impacted the runway, struck a landing light, and skidded off the runway. The landing gear was sheared off, and a canard and a wing were crushed.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, his failure to latch the canopy prior to takeoff, and his failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist due to his diverted attention.
Full Narrative
The pilot said that he became distracted while talking to another airplane on the radio. He did not complete the takeoff checklist and forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff. The pilot took off and after climbing about 10 to 30 feet, the canopy popped open. The safety catch stopped the canopy from opening completely. With his left hand, the pilot attempted to close and lock the canopy. Being unsuccessful, he removed his right hand from control stick and grabbed the canopy latch. Control was lost and the airplane impacted the runway, struck a landing light, and skidded off the runway. The landing gear was sheared off, and a canard and a wing were crushed.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 MDT
Nearest AirportDona Ana Cnty At Santa Teresa (1nm)
Runway10
Runway Length8500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMarlin Varieze
Tail NumberN77JM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn E Marlin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO