Accident Details
Date
Saturday, August 20, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA478
Location
Smithville, TN
Event ID
20110831X20631
Coordinates
35.984443, -85.805274
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 maintain directional control during the takeoff roll due to his distraction by an open door.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N52CH
Make
CANO DAVE
Serial Number
1311D
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
ELLIS LESLIE H
Address
674 KINGWOOD LN
Status
Deregistered
City
ROCKVALE
State / Zip Code
TN 37153-4015
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot stated that he became distracted during the takeoff roll when the airplane's door came open. He reached to close the door, the airplane veered left, and subsequently departed the runway. The airplane impacted a berm off the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA478