Summary
On August 12, 2012, a Evektor-aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR (N633EV) was involved in an incident near Myerstown, PA. 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 student pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll while trying to secure an open canopy and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist.
The student pilot reported that he intended to conduct a solo flight. He utilized the airplane's checklist, started the engine and taxied to the runway uneventfully. While holding short of the runway and completing pretakeoff checklist items, the student pilot was distracted by an airplane approaching to land. The student pilot missed an item on the checklist, which called for locking the cockpit canopy. During the ensuing takeoff roll, the canopy began rattling and flapping open. The student pilot reached behind his head and attempted to secure the canopy. During that time, the airplane veered left off the left side of the runway and the left wing struck a propane tank.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA506. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N633EV.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll while trying to secure an open canopy and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The student pilot reported that he intended to conduct a solo flight. He utilized the airplane's checklist, started the engine and taxied to the runway uneventfully. While holding short of the runway and completing pretakeoff checklist items, the student pilot was distracted by an airplane approaching to land. The student pilot missed an item on the checklist, which called for locking the cockpit canopy. During the ensuing takeoff roll, the canopy began rattling and flapping open. The student pilot reached behind his head and attempted to secure the canopy. During that time, the airplane veered left off the left side of the runway and the left wing struck a propane tank. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, nor did the student pilot report any.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA506