# NTSB WPR17LA116: Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, N68PW, Pendelton, OR, May 20, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 20, 2017, 14:59 local (21:59 UTC) - Place: Pendelton, OR - Coordinates: 45.694721, -118.843055 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6947&lon=-118.8431&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 8, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 95272 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR17LA116 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95272/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95272 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA116 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to follow checklists to ensure the canopy was secured before takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/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: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 336 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md) - [Doors: passenger/crew doors](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210): Aircraft › Aircraft structures · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 86 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: sign/marker](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 214 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338) (defining event); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 563 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=70218DE), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot reported that, shortly after starting the takeoff roll for the local flight, the canopy lifted up and then separated from the airplane. The airplane subsequently veered left, exited the runway, and struck an airport runway sign during the aborted takeoff, which resulted in substantial damage to the canopy and wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies with the canopy, canopy attachment bolts, mounting bolt holes, latches, or locking mechanism that would have precluded normal operation. Two normal checklists (the Before Starting Engine and Taxi checklists) in the airplane's pilot's operating handbook call for the pilot to check that the canopy is closed and locked before takeoff. The pilot stated that he did not remember checking that the canopy was locked and also stated that he was fairly sure that it was not latched; thus, it is likely that the pilot did not ensure that the canopy was properly secured before takeoff. ## Factual narrative On May 20, 2017, about 1459 Pacific daylight time, the canopy of an experimental Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S airplane, N68PW, departed from the airplane during takeoff roll from Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) Pendleton, Oregon. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged to the canopy and wing. The airplane was registered to Precision Aerosports LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight that was originating at the time. During a telephone interview with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot stated that shortly after the start of the takeoff roll, the canopy began to lift up and separate from the airplane. The airplane subsequently veered left, exited the runway, and struck an airport runway sign, during the aborted takeoff. The pilot reported that he did not remember checking that the canopy was locked and was fairly sure it was not latched. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the canopy, canopy attachment bolts, mounting bolt holes, latches, or locking mechanism. Additionally, no cracking or corrosion was observed. The canopy is manufactured in one section and is operated manually by the pilot and opens by lifting it to the right. The canopy has fore and aft interior locking handles, located on the left side of the canopy frame, that must be squeezed together to unlock the canopy. Both locking handles must be in the outward position when locked. A placard located near the locking handles of the cockpit indicates the unlock and locked positions. The airplane Pilot's Operating Handbook contains a checklist item, to close and lock the canopy, both in the Before Starting Engine, and the Taxi, checklists. Further, a caution about the canopy states: "handles of the lock mechanism must be in opposite position indicated with a red line on the canopy frame. Check gap between canopy frame and fuselage fairing!" ## Aircraft - Registration: [N68PW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N68PW-2021-04-03), registration cancelled 2021-04-03, S/N 030, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: EXTRA FLUGZEUGBAU EA 300/S (S) - Registry model: [Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S](https://openairdocs.org/model/extra-flugzeugbau-ea-300-s) (registry code 70218DE) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-580-X](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-580-x) (registry code 41806, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 030 - Year built: 1999 - Airframe hours: 2398.89 - Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-580-X 350 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 7, 2017 - Departed: PDT, Pendelton, OR - Destination: PDT, Pendelton, OR - Airport: PDT, Eastern Oregon Rgnl At Pendlet, runway 29, 5,581 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 52; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 25, 2017; seat: single; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 590 total, 133 in this make and model, 540 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.06 inHg - Observed at: PDT ## 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 20170520007909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170520007909A), May 20, 2017: Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S, Pendelton, OR, Substantial damage. The pilot was participating in an international aerobatic club sponsored three day aerobatic camp. The pilot was starting his third practice flight of the… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 12, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95272. 4.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 4.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470372&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Email (item 2, .PDF, 48 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470373&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Email-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. --- 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.