AAIB investigation to CZAW Sportcruiser, G-DVOY, 11 July 2025
Forced landing after canopy opened in-flight, Firs Farm Airfield, Berkshire, 11 July 2025
The pilot backtracked along Runway 05 for departure, after having completed his engine power checks, and chose to keep the canopy open due to the hot weather. He then carried out his pre-takeoff checks, which included securing all hatches and harnesses. Shortly after takeoff from Firs Farm, at approximately 500 ft during flap retraction, the canopy lifted by one to two inches. As he reached to close it, the canopy suddenly opened almost fully, causing the aircraft to pitch down toward the ground.
The pilot was able to grab the left gas strut and pull the canopy down until it was open by about a foot. However, with one hand holding the canopy, he could not release the control stick to reduce power or fully retract the flaps. Consequently, the aircraft continued to descend and struck the ground.
The pilot was uninjured and managed to switch off the ignition and the aircraft’s electrical system but was unable to turn off the fuel due to airframe damage before exiting the cockpit.
There was no fire, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot attributed the accident to his failure to fully latch the canopy in his pre-takeoff checks but commented that an iPad mounted to the canopy may have acted as a sail, contributing to the canopy’s sudden opening.
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