Marlin Varieze
Santa Teresa, NM — April 20, 2009
Event Information
| Date | April 20, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA258 |
| Event ID | 20090421X54910 |
| Location | Santa Teresa, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 31.88111, -106.70472 |
| Airport | Dona Ana Cnty at Santa Teresa |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Marlin |
| Model | Varieze |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, his failure to latch the canopy prior to takeoff, and his failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist due to his diverted attention.
Full Narrative
The pilot said that he became distracted while talking to another airplane on the radio. He did not complete the takeoff checklist and forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff. The pilot took off and after climbing about 10 to 30 feet, the canopy popped open. The safety catch stopped the canopy from opening completely. With his left hand, the pilot attempted to close and lock the canopy. Being unsuccessful, he removed his right hand from control stick and grabbed the canopy latch. Control was lost and the airplane impacted the runway, struck a landing light, and skidded off the runway. The landing gear was sheared off, and a canard and a wing were crushed.
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.