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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 29, 2010 · Holt Herbert L LONG EZ · N31939

Afton, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Afton, WY
Aircraft
Holt Herbert L LONG EZ
Tail Number
N31939
Operator
Holt Herbert L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA437

The pilot reported that he performed a normal preflight inspection of his airplane, loaded baggage into the back seat, placed a canvas canopy cover on top of the baggage, and proceeded to take off. The pilot had not securely locked the canopy into the closed position. After accelerating to about 70 mph, the canopy partially opened, and the canvas cover exited the airplane. It impacted the pusher propeller and a blade shattered. The pilot aborted the takeoff but, due to vibrations, the nose wheel broke off before he was able to stop. During the sequence the airplane was substantially damaged by the fire. The pilot opined that a fuel line may have broken due to the severe engine vibration or an impact from the nose wheel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to securely lock the canopy prior to takeoff, which allowed the contents of the cabin to exit the airplane and damage the propeller. Contributing to the severity of the damage was the subsequent fire that ensued.

Full Narrative

The pilot indicated that he performed a normal preflight inspection of his airplane, loaded baggage into the back seat, placed a canvas canopy cover on top of the baggage, and proceeded to takeoff. The pilot had not securely locked the canopy into the closed position. After accelerating to about 70 mph, the canopy partially opened, and the canvas cover exited the airplane. It impacted the pusher propeller and a blade shattered. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but due to vibrations the nose wheel broke off before he was able to stop. During the sequence, the airplane was substantially damaged by the fire. The pilot opined that a fuel line broke due to the severe engine vibration or an impact from the nose wheel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MDT
Nearest AirportAFTON (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length7025 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHolt Herbert L LONG EZ
Tail NumberN31939
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHolt Herbert L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data