# NTSB ERA12CA506: Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar, N633EV, Myerstown, PA, August 12, 2012

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 12, 2012, 10:35 local (14:35 UTC)
- Place: Myerstown, PA
- Coordinates: 40.352222, -76.329719 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3522&lon=-76.3297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 5, 2012
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 84660
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12CA506
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/84660/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84660
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA506

## Probable cause

The student pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll while trying to secure an open canopy and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Doors: passenger/crew doors](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210): Aircraft › Aircraft structures · Incorrect use/operation; cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 86 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: use of checklist](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 336 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Standing-engine(s) operating: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The student pilot reported that he intended to conduct a solo flight. He used the airplane's checklist, started the engine, and taxied to the runway uneventfully. While holding short of the runway and completing pretakeoff checklist items, the student pilot was distracted by an airplane approaching to land. The student pilot missed the item on the checklist that called for locking the cockpit canopy. During the ensuing takeoff roll, the canopy began rattling and flapping open. The student pilot reached behind his head and attempted to secure the canopy. During that time, the airplane veered off of the left side of the runway and the left wing struck a propane tank. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane nor did the student pilot report any.

## Factual narrative

The student pilot reported that he intended to conduct a solo flight. He utilized the airplane's checklist, started the engine and taxied to the runway uneventfully. While holding short of the runway and completing pretakeoff checklist items, the student pilot was distracted by an airplane approaching to land. The student pilot missed an item on the checklist, which called for locking the cockpit canopy. During the ensuing takeoff roll, the canopy began rattling and flapping open. The student pilot reached behind his head and attempted to secure the canopy. During that time, the airplane veered left off the left side of the runway and the left wing struck a propane tank. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, nor did the student pilot report any.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N633EV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N633EV-2013-04-15), registration cancelled 2013-04-15, S/N 20060705, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR
- Registry model: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR](https://openairdocs.org/model/evektor-aerotechnik-sportstar) (registry code 0600012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rotax 912ULS series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-912uls-series) (registry code 55572, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20060705
- Airframe hours: 518
- Engines: ROTAX 912ULS 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Eugene Honert
- Registered owner: Eugene Honert
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 9, 2012, 7 hours before
- Departed: 9D4, Myerstown, PA
- Destination: 9D4, Myerstown, PA
- Airport: 9D4, Deck Airport, runway 01, 3,786 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Student pilot; age 70; injuries: none; student; medical: sport pilot; seat: left; flight hours: 69 total, 69 in this make and model, 31 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.96 inHg
- Observed at: MUI, 10 nm away

## 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 20120812017699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120812017699A), Aug 12, 2012: Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR, Lebanon, PA, Substantial damage. The pilot failed to lock the airplane canopy before takeoff. On takeoff roll he realized this, attempted to lock it, and lost control of the airplane. It…

## Docket (4 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 5, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84660. 1.4 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 999 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40375606&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- Interview Summary (item 2, .PDF, 50 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40375607&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF
- Weather Report (item 3, .PDF, 14 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40375639&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Report-Master.PDF
- Photograph # 1: Left Wing Damage (Photo Courtesy of Co-owner Jones) (item 4, .PDF, 370 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40375609&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%201%3A%20%20Left%20Wing%20Damage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20Co-owner%20Jones)-Master.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.

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