GAA18CA215

Factual narrative

According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-build airplane, during takeoff climb about 200ft AGL, the airplane's canopy fully opened. The pilot immediately turned downwind and eventually turned final about 200ft AGL. He reported that his vision was impaired by the wind and he misjudged the airplanes position to the runway. The airplane struck a 10ft high fence that was about 70ft from the approach end of the runway. The pilot was able to land on the runway and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the right-wing. According to the pilot's Before Takeoff checklist, the first item states: Emergency Canopy access door – closed/locked According to the pilot's Before Takeoff checklist, the last item states: Canopy – Locked -visually confirm proper latch and safety engagement According to the emergency procedure for Inflight Canopy Opening, the pilot's checklist states: Should the canopy come fully open 90° in flight immediately grab the canopy/rail handle and pull the canopy down. Be sure to maintain aircraft control. The aircraft is controllable and can be landed safely with the canopy being held down against the fingers. Remember to maintain aircraft control. Do not be so concerned with closing the canopy that you allow the aircraft to fly unnecessarily into the ground. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot noted that the accident could have prevented by not deviating from the Before Takeoff checklist. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, during takeoff climb about 200 ft above ground level (agl), the airplane's canopy fully opened. The pilot immediately turned downwind and eventually turned final about 200 ft agl. He reported that his vision was impaired by the wind and that he misjudged the airplane's position to the runway. The airplane struck a 10-ft-tall fence that was about 70 ft from the approach end of the runway. The pilot was able to land on the runway, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the right wing. The first item in the Before Takeoff checklist stated: Emergency Canopy access door – closed/locked. The last item in the Before Takeoff checklist stated: Canopy – Locked – visually confirm proper latch and safety engagement According to the In-flight Canopy Opening checklist emergency procedure, Should the canopy come fully open 90° in flight immediately grab the canopy/rail handle and pull the canopy down. Be sure to maintain aircraft control. The aircraft is controllable and can be landed safely with the canopy being held down against the fingers. Remember to maintain aircraft control. Do not be so concerned with closing the canopy that you allow the aircraft to fly unnecessarily into the ground. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by not deviating from the Before Takeoff checklist. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Fence/fence post-Effect on operation - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Doors-(general)-Incorrect use/operation - C
• F Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of checklist-Pilot - F