Primary finding
Probable cause
The separation of the canopy from the glider during an off-airport landing for reasons that could not be determined.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the glider reported that, en route to his destination, the glider lost lift, so he diverted to a corn field for landing. During the landing, the glider bounced, and "the canopy popped off of the fuselage" and broke into several pieces. The glider sustained substantial damage to the canopy. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. Although the pilot said he bumped the canopy during the bounced landing, it could not be determined if that or some other mechanism caused the canopy to separate.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the glider reported that, while landing in a corn field, "the canopy popped off of the fuselage" and broke into several pieces. The glider sustained substantial damage to the canopy. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.