Avia Stroitel AC-5M N1635M

Summary

On 4 March 2001 at about 20:00 local time, a Avia Stroitel AC-5M registered N1635M was involved in an accident near Bozeman, Montana, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 March 2001 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Bozeman, Montana, United States

Nearest airport

Gallatin Field (BZN)

Coordinates

45.7703, -110.9303

Aircraft

Avia Stroitel AC-5M

Registration

N1635M

Category

Glider

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bozeman → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA01LA058

1 person was seriously injured.

the pilot's improper remedial action upon experiencing the unexpected opening of the aircraft's canopy during the initial part of the takeoff climb. Factors include his attention being diverted to the open canopy, his failure to use a checklist to ensure he did not miss any critical pre-takeoff actions, his failure to lock the canopy, and the unintentional opening of the canopy after liftoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Prior to takeoff in a powered glider, the pilot opened and closed the canopy a number of times in order to communicate with members of his ground crew. When he was given clearance for departure, he closed the canopy one last time, but inadvertently did not get the latching mechanism fully engaged. After liftoff, as the aircraft climbed to about 30 feet above the runway, the canopy unexpectedly swung open. The pilot's attention was then momentarily diverted to the open canopy, and when he looked back toward the front of the aircraft, it was just about to impact the surface of the runway in a nose-down attitude. It was later determined that he had not reviewed his checklist just prior to departure to ensure that he had accomplished all critical items.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.