Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately latch the canopy before takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, as the airplane was about 10 feet above the runway during takeoff, the cockpit canopy began to open and rotate forward. The pilot reached up with his right hand to grab the canopy and hold it down. He decided to abort the takeoff and pointed the airplane back toward the runway. He could not manipulate the throttle with one hand on the stick and the other on the canopy, and the airplane landed at a groundspeed of about 55 knots. During the landing roll, the airplane departed the runway, substantially damaging the left wing root and buckling the fuselage behind the firewall. Postaccident examination of the canopy locking mechanism revealed that the canopy latch and handle were functioning properly.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was practicing stop-and-go landings when during the second takeoff, as the airplane was about 10 feet above the runway, the cockpit canopy began to open up and rotate forward. The pilot reached up with his right hand to the canopy handle, located above his head, to hold the canopy down. He decided to abort the takeoff and pointed the airplane back toward the runway. With one hand on the stick and the other on the canopy he could not manipulate the throttle and the airplane landed faster than normal. During the landing roll, the airplane departed the runway, substantially damaging the left wing root and buckling the fuselage behind the firewall. Post accident examination of the canopy locking mechanism revealed that the canopy latch and handle was functioning correctly.