Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight, which resulted in a takeoff with an unsecured canopy, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot reported that his preflight procedures were normal, except that he apparently forgot to secure the canopy. At about 30 to 40 feet agl, during the initial climb, the canopy opened rapidly. He retarded the throttle, and grabbed the canopy. He could close the canopy, but could not manipulate the latches. Airspeed and altitude were lost, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a flat attitude. The aircraft came to rest inverted, and the pilot egressed the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 16, 1995, at 0730 central daylight time, N418EZ, a Swant Varieze, collided with terrain and burned after an in flight loss of control at Tullahoma, Tennessee. The aircraft was destroyed. The private pilot was not injured. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported the following: He performed his usual preflight procedures, however, he "apparently failed to secure (the) canopy." The takeoff was normal until the aircraft reached about 30 to 40 feet above ground level. At that point, the canopy "went up with great speed." The aircraft pitched up, and rolled to the right. He countered with left rudder and stick, pushed the nose down, and reached for the canopy. He stated that the aircraft was very hard to control. He retarded the throttle, and brought the canopy down, but he had to hold it closed. He lost airspeed and altitude, and was not able to recover. The aircraft landed flat, but on soft, rough terrain. The aircraft turned to the left, then flipped over. He released his seat belt and shoulder harness, and egressed the airplane. -