Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain airplane control during takeoff due to his distraction with the improperly secured canopy, which he forgot to latch.
NTSB analysis
Prior to takeoff, the pilot forgot to properly latch the canopy. Shortly after rotation, the pilot noticed that the canopy had partially opened, which resulted in a distraction and a loss of airplane control. Subsequently, the airplane contacted the runway, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest upright on the side of the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage was bent and buckled. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA121 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 3, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Truth Or Consequences Municipa (TCS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SX 300
- N-number
- N120J
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.