N320CY

Substantial
None

Yeager Inc. LancairS/N: 384-320-139

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 2, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA461
Location
McMinnville, TN
Event ID
20100903X85554
Coordinates
35.698612, -85.843612
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to properly latch the cockpit canopy prior to takeoff, resulting in his diverted attention and failure to maintain aircraft control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
YEAGER INC.
Serial Number
384-320-139
Engine Type
4-cycle
Model / ICAO
LancairBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
LANCAIR 320

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MOLDENHAUER CURTIS
Address
509 RIFLE RANGE RD HNGR 78
City
IOWA PARK
State / Zip Code
TX 76367-7129
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he taxied to the runway to do a high speed taxi run. He performed an engine run up, and while doing a magneto test he noticed the engine was running rich and leaned the mixture and retested the magnetos. All was okay, so he continued with the check list. At this point he latched the two canopy latches on the right side and scanned the instrument panel and noticed that the head temperature and oil temperature rising. He stated that his attention was diverted in concern of the rising head temperature and did not recall if he latched the two latches on the left side of the canopy. He started the takeoff roll and after becoming airborne and climbing, he noticed the canopy coming up on the left side. The pilot attempted to latch the canopy, but realized it would take both hands, and continued to climb to pattern altitude while trimming the aircraft for better airspeed control. He then pulled the throttle back to slow down and to try to shut the canopy. The canopy started flapping up and down, and the pilot tried to hang on to the canopy, but that was causing him to not be able to control the airplane. He stated that debris was flying everywhere and the wind blew off his headset. When he realized that he was getting low he added full power and looked for a clear area. The next thing he knew was that the airplane hit the ground.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA461