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October 16, 2011 · Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · N999VS

Las Vegas, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Aircraft
Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser
Tail Number
N999VS
Operator
O Hearn Larry N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA014

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, during the crosswind turn, the canopy opened. He continued to fly the airplane while trying to hold the canopy down with his left hand. The airplane porpoised, lost altitude, and the pilot was unable to achieve a stable attitude. He stayed in the traffic pattern, and, on final approach, he pulled the power off and stalled the airplane 4 to 5 feet above the runway, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage. The Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) stated that, if the canopy should open during takeoff, the pilot should not try to close the canopy and should continue the takeoff, climb to a safe altitude, and attain an airspeed of 65 knots. The POH then states that the pilot should continue to fly the traffic pattern, land, and, after stopping, close and lock the canopy. The pilot said the accident could have been prevented if he had kept the power on until touchdown.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadvertent opening of the airplane’s canopy during takeoff, which distracted the pilot and resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with the manufacturer's recommended procedures for the canopy opening during takeoff.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff during the cross wind turn the canopy popped open. The pilot continued to fly the airplane while trying to hold the canopy down with his left hand. The airplane began to porpoise and lose altitude. The pilot was unable to achieve a slow cruise stable attitude. He continued to fly the airplane for an emergency landing to the duty runway, he pulled the power off and stalled the airplane 4-5 feet above the runway, which resulted in a hard landing. The Sport Cruiser Pilot Operating Handbook, Supplement No. 03 states the following in section 6.7.3. "Recommendation for canopy opening during the aircraft takeoff: 1. Do not try to close the canopy! 2. Continue the takeoff. 3. Clime to a safe altitude, and reach 120 km/h (65 kts) 4. Continue to circuit 5. Land, after stopping, close and lock the canopy."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:10 PDT
Nearest AirportHenderson Executive Airport (0nm)
Runway35L
Runway Length6500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCzech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser
Tail NumberN999VS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorO Hearn Larry N
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912ULS · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data