# NTSB ANC97LA004: Burns Burn Experimental, N239AH, Sitka, AK, October 18, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 18, 1996, 11:52 local (19:52 UTC)
- Place: Sitka, AK
- Coordinates: 56.729049, -135.00093 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=56.7290&lon=-135.0009&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 2949
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC97LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/2949/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA004

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to follow the checklist and secure the cockpit door/canopy.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - window,canopy - not secured (cause)
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff

## Analysis

The pilot stated that he was in a hurry, and was trying to complete his takeoff before the arrival of an inbound jet. He stated that he did not lock the cockpit canopy. During takeoff, approximately 10 feet in the air, the canopy came open, and the airplane fell to the runway and was damaged.

## Factual narrative

On October 18, 1996, at 1152 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped experimental airplane, model Burns Burn, N239AH, registered to and operated by the pilot, crashed during takeoff at Sitka, Alaska.  The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, was departing runway 29 at Sitka for a local flight.  No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.    The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.  The airplane received substantial damage.

According to rescue personnel, the pilot stated that he was in a hurry and trying to complete his takeoff prior to the arrival of an inbound jet.  He stated that he did not lock the cockpit canopy.  During the takeoff, approximately 10 feet in the air, the canopy came open and the airplane fell to the runway.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N239AH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N239AH-2002-10-29), registration cancelled 2002-10-29, S/N SA101, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BURNS BURN EXPERIMENTAL (EXPERIMENT)
- Registry model: [Bruns Vern STEPHENS AKRO](https://openairdocs.org/model/bruns-vern-stephens-akro) (registry code 05603UZ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: SA101
- Airframe hours: 185
- Engines: Lycoming IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Adolf Eugene Curry
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 19, 1996, 5 hours before
- Departed: SIT
- Airport: SIT, Sitka, runway 29, 6,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 2,000 total, 11 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SIT

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19961018033089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961018033089A), Oct 18, 1996: Amtr STEPHENSAKRO, Sitka, AK, Substantial damage. Crashed on takeoff. (.4)the pilot stated that he was in a hurry, and was trying to complete his takeoff before the arrival of an inbound jet. He stated that he…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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