NTSB Factual Report

On September 6, 2003, at 1500 central daylight time, an amateur-built Dixon Glasair II, N817CD, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff on runway 3 (2,450 feet x 100 feet, turf) at the Sackman Field Airport (H49), Columbia, Illinois. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported minor injuries. The local flight was originating when the accident occurred.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that on the takeoff roll the aircraft initially lifted off, however, it settled back onto the runway momentarily. As the aircraft lifted off again, the pilot side cabin door inadvertently "flew open", according to the pilot. His attempt to secure the door was not successful and he initiated an aborted takeoff.

According to the pilot's statement, the aircraft touched down in a "fast taxi roll" with very little runway remaining. He noted that when he applied maximum braking effort, the aircraft "veered off [the] runway" and encountered soft terrain. The nose gear and left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft subsequently flipped over.

The pilot stated that he verified the door was closed and latched as part of the before takeoff checklist procedure.

Although the cabin door was damaged during the accident, the pilot reported there were no anomalies with the door latching mechanism consistent with a pre-impact failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff. Contributing factors were the open cabin door, the grass runway and the soft terrain adjacent to the runway.