Summary
On August 20, 2011, a Cano Dave AVID FLYER MKIV (N52CH) was involved in an incident near Smithville, TN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll due to his distraction by an open door.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA11CA478. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N52CH.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Historical)
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