# NTSB CEN12CA121: Butler John R SX 300, N120J, Truth or Consequences, NM, January 3, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: January 3, 2012, 11:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Truth or Consequences, NM - Coordinates: 33.236946, -107.271667 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2369&lon=-107.2717&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 27, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 82615 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN12CA121 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82615/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82615 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA121 ## 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. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Doors: passenger/crew doors](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210): Aircraft › Aircraft structures · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Butler John R SX 300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md?model=05612VN), [All aircraft, 86 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Butler John R SX 300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05612VN), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: attention](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021510): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Butler John R SX 300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021510/cases.md?model=05612VN), [All aircraft, 226 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021510/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) (defining event); cases with it: [Butler John R SX 300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=05612VN), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Butler John R SX 300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05612VN), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Butler John R SX 300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=05612VN), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) ## 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. ## Factual narrative Prior to takeoff, the pilot forgot to properly latch the canopy. Shortly after rotation, the pilot noticed the canopy had partially opened. 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 the fuselage was bent and buckled. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N120J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N120J), registered now, S/N 60, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BUTLER JOHN R SX 300 - Registry model: [Butler John R SX 300](https://openairdocs.org/model/butler-john-r-sx-300) (registry code 05612VN) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 60 - Airframe hours: 1350 - Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, March 1, 2011 - Departed: TCS, Truth or Consequences, NM - Destination: TCS, Truth or Consequences, NM - Airport: TCS, Truth or Consequences Municipa, runway 13, 7,200 × 75 ft ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 19, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 1,296 total, 154 in this make and model, 1,219 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 50 °F ## 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 20120103000289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120103000289A), Jan 3, 2012: Butler John R SX 300, Truth Or Conseq, NM, Substantial damage. On January 3, 2012, at 1220 MST a Butler SX-30, N120J, registered to rainbow sports, inc., sustained a hard landing while on a personal flight, visual… ## Other investigations on N120J (1) 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. - [NTSB DEN99LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA100), Jun 12, 1999: Butler SX-300 (N120J), Hill Afb, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: A failure of the left main landing gear attachment for undetermined reasons. ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 26, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82615. 3.9 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361604&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.