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NTSB Report
October 11, 2019 · Zenith Zenith 601XLB · N235JH
Gastonia, NC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Gastonia, NC
Aircraft
Zenith Zenith 601XLB (2012)
Tail Number
N235JH
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA20CA027
The pilot reported that, during takeoff, as the airplane lifted off, the canopy opened. Subsequently, the airplane descended and landed hard, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during a postaccident examination of the airplane about a week after the accident, the canopy latches appeared to be in good condition and operated fine. The pilot added as a safety recommendation to "double check the canopy latch."
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to latch the canopy before departure, which resulted in the canopy opening and the subsequent loss of airplane control.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during takeoff, as the airplane departed the ground, the canopy opened, the airplane landed hard back on the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during a postaccident examination, the canopy latches appeared to be in good condition. He added that the canopy latch handle was located in the middle of the cockpit and operated fine. The pilot added as a safety recommendation to double check the canopy latch.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 EDT
Nearest AirportGastonia Muni (0nm SSW)
Runway21
Runway Length3770 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftZenith Zenith 601XLB
Tail NumberN235JH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 84 · Sprt · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC