Apr 11, 2010
Accident
Destroyed Millbrook, NY
Injuries1 serious
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after takeoff while he was distracted by trying to hold shut the unlocked cockpit canopy. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to lock the canopy prior to takeoff, and the inadequate guidance in the Pilot Operating Handbook regarding canopy locking procedures.
NTSB ERA10LA221