Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly latch the canopy before flight, which led to the canopy opening shortly after takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the canopy opened on his experimental airplane because he failed to properly latch it before takeoff. He was unable to close the canopy after it opened and decided to land the airplane straight ahead on the remaining runway. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway and came to rest in the grass. The engine mount sustained substantial damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA205 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Conroe, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Conroe North Houston Regional (CXO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV4
- N-number
- N292M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.