N231X

On May 20, 2000, about 1415 Pacific daylight time, an Avions Mudry et Cie, Cap 231, N231X, was substantially damaged after an aborted takeoff from Ephrata Municipal Airport (EPH), Ephrata, Washington. The aircraft was being operated under Title 14 CFR 91 when the accident occurred. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. There was no fire and no report of ELT activation.

The pilot reported that shortly after becoming airborne (30-40 feet above ground level [AGL]), the aircraft's canopy blew opened. He reported that when the canopy opened, a blast of air blew off his left contact lens obscuring his vision and depth perception. After unsuccessful attempts to latch the canopy, the pilot closed the throttle and aborted the takeoff. When the airplane touched down, on the runway, it bounced back into the air. The pilot applied full power and initiated a go-around. He reported that after initiating the go-around, he turned the airplane to the south in an attempt to land on runway 11. However, the pilot was unable to maintain altitude, as a result of damage sustained to the propeller during the bounced landing, and the airplane subsequently collided with terrain beyond the departure end of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage during the accident sequence.

Post-accident inspection of the airplane by an FAA inspector from the Spokane, Washington, Flight Standards District Office, and the airplane owner, revealed that the canopy latch functioned properly. The pilot later stated that he could not confirm that the canopy was latched properly prior to the accident flight.