Diamond DA 20-A1 N560SS

Summary

On 7 September 1997 at about 19:00 local time, a Diamond DA 20-A1 registered N560SS, operated by Lancaster Aviation, Inc., was involved in an accident near Concord, North Carolina, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 September 1997 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Concord, North Carolina, United States

Coordinates

35.4107, -80.6809

Aircraft

Diamond DA 20-A1

Registration

N560SS

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Lancaster Aviation, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA97LA240

1 person had minor injuries.

The failure of the pilot to latch the canopy closed prior to takeoff. This resulted in the canopying opening while on approach to land and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude due to the excessive drag.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot forgot to latch the canopy closed prior to takeoff. After takeoff he entered the pattern to return for a landing. While on final approach the canopy opened and stayed on the aircraft in the full open position. The aircraft would not maintain altitude with full engine power and settled into trees and crashed. After the accident the canopy unlocked light was still illuminated and the canopy latches were found in the open position.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.