Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to secure the canopy latch before takeoff, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and the subsequent loss of airplane control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot in the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that about 5 minutes after takeoff, he felt air coming into the cockpit from the canopy. He noticed that the canopy latch was not adequately secured and attempted to secure it, but the canopy opened. The airplane became very difficult to control with the canopy open and he made an emergency landing in a cornfield. During landing, the nose wheel collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA037