AAIB investigation to Zenair CH 601UL, G-CDAL

Canopy opened in flight, Field northwest of Kinglassie, near Fife Airport, 1 August 2022.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 8 December 2022

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 1 August 2022
• Aircraft type: Zenair CH 601UL
• Location: Field northwest of Kinglassie, near Fife Airport
• Registration: G-CDAL

Summary:

The aircraft’s canopy came open unexpectedly shortly after takeoff, causing significant handing difficulties for the pilot who elected to carry out an immediate forced landing ahead. During the landing ground roll the aircraft suffered significant damage due to a rapid deceleration caused by crops catching on the wings and undercarriage.

The pilot concluded that the most likely cause of the canopy opening in flight was an object fouling the right canopy latch mechanism when the canopy was closed for flight, thus leaving it insecure.

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Zenair CH 601UL, G-CDAL 12-22

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 8 December 2022