Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to follow the checklist and secure the cockpit door/canopy.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was in a hurry, and was trying to complete his takeoff before the arrival of an inbound jet. He stated that he did not lock the cockpit canopy. During takeoff, approximately 10 feet in the air, the canopy came open, and the airplane fell to the runway and was damaged.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 18, 1996, at 1152 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped experimental airplane, model Burns Burn, N239AH, registered to and operated by the pilot, crashed during takeoff at Sitka, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, was departing runway 29 at Sitka for a local flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane received substantial damage. According to rescue personnel, the pilot stated that he was in a hurry and trying to complete his takeoff prior to the arrival of an inbound jet. He stated that he did not lock the cockpit canopy. During the takeoff, approximately 10 feet in the air, the canopy came open and the airplane fell to the runway. -