CHI99LA228

The pilot stated he was distracted during his pre-departure checklist procedures and forgot to pin the canopy. During the take off roll, as the airplane lifted off the runway the canopy popped open, resulting in excessive drag and an aerodynamic stall. The airplane then collided with the ground on the edge of a pond and nosed over into the water.

On July 11, 1999, at 1915 central daylight time, a McMillan Zodiac CH 601 HD, N6781Z, operated and piloted by a private pilot, impacted terrain and a pond after takeoff from runway 27 (2,600 feet X 70 feet/dry asphalt and turf) at Cedar Ridge Airport, Nauvoo, Illinois. The pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the 14 CFR Part 91 flight. The airplane was not operating on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he was distracted during his checklist procedures. His boom mike was loose and he tightened the fastener holding it on. The pilot said that this distraction allowed him to forget to pin the canopy. He stated that he started his departure down the runway and he rotated the airplane at about 70 knots. The pilot said that the canopy popped open causing excessive drag. He said that the drag caused a "...left wing down turning stall". He said that the airplane impacted nose down on the edge of a pond and flipped over into the pond.