N96LH

On February 11, 1999, about 1235 eastern daylight time, a Lee S. Harvard Long-EZ, N96LH, nosed over during an aborted takeoff following the canopy coming open, at Pilot Country Airport, Spring Hill, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated he taxied to runway 36 and while holding short of the runway he adjusted his headphones, seat belts, and instruments, and performed the before takeoff checklist. He then transmitted on the unicom frequency that he was departing on runway 36. After taxiing onto the runway he performed a magneto check and then applied full power. About 1/3 of the way down the runway he noticed that the canopy might not be closed. He aborted the takeoff and about 3/4 of the way down the runway the wheel brakes became ineffective. He turned off the runway into the grass in an attempt to slow the aircraft. The main landing gear appeared to "grab the ground" and the aircraft turned and then rolled to an inverted position and came to rest on the taxiway.