Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT N330SB accident near Whitehouse, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure the canopy was properly locked before flight, which resulted in the canopy opening during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while completing his preflight checks of the airplane, he thought that he had closed and locked its canopy, though he did not push up after locking it as was his usual habit. Shortly after starting the takeoff roll for a local flight, the canopy opened and struck the airplane’s right wing, substantially damaging the canopy. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and taxied back to the ramp without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA292 for the full record.