RYAN JOHN STEFFEY SUBSONEX
Latrobe, PA — May 14, 2019
Event Information
| Date | May 14, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA266 |
| Event ID | 20190515X82057 |
| Location | Latrobe, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.27306, -79.41028 |
| Airport | Arnold Palmer Rgnl |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | RYAN JOHN STEFFEY |
| Model | SUBSONEX |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control while attempting to secure the canopy, which opened shortly after takeoff and resulted in the airplane impacting the ground and the main landing gear collapsing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to complete the predeparture checklist, which led to his failure to properly secure the canopy before takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that before takeoff, he was adjusting radios and forgot to latch the canopy. After liftoff, the canopy shimmied aft about 2 ft. The pilot reported that with his right hand on the control stick, he reached with his left hand to close the canopy. The airplane was a few feet above the runway surface when the nose pitched down, and the nose gear impacted the ground. The airplane veered right and slid to a stop on the runway. The pilot reported that he did not complete his pre-departure checklist to secure the canopy because he was adjusting the recently installed radio and headset.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.