Failure to secure canopy leads to loss of control

The pilot in the experimental, amateur-built Zenith CH601 reported that, about five 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, so he made an emergency landing in a cornfield in Junction City, Kansas.

During landing, the nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable cause: 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.

NTSB Identification: GAA19CA037

This October 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.