A retaining strap can be put in to hold it down should the latch let go. Only hearsay, I havn't seen a report on it. Yes, apparently a 601 lost control when the canopy popped open. Prior knowledge of this fact would have made the whole incident far less intimidating! It was subsequently discovered from the importer that the canopy-open configuration is stable and safe although cold and alarming! The forward airflow over the canopy equilibrates with the pressure from within the cabin area and the canopy 'sits' about 250mm open so the aircraft can be flown without any need to hold the canopy down. Of particular concern to the pilot at the time was his lack of knowledge as to how the A/C would perform aerodynamically with the canopy open. The PIC determined the latch was functional if in position properly and therefore presented no risk of re-opening - therefore the passenger held it in position for the brief 5 minute re-location flight to the home strip which was reached without further incident. The two parts of the sheared latch were found on baggage floor area after the flight. The problem had been caused by a sprung steel 'safety' latch, that normally prevented the main canopy latch from disengaging, shearing off thus allowing the latch to rotate and open the canopy.
Once the canopy had stabilized flight control was easy and the landing uneventful ( interesting to be approached by a dilapidated Ute with the owner demanding his $5.00 landing fee!) Efforts to re-close the canopy and retain control of the aircraft were unsuccessful so an emergency (PAN call) landing was made on a conveniently located grass strip whilst the passenger held on to the canopy. The sudden inrush of air blew out maps, sundries and the Kroger sunshade on the pilots side.
During an evening scenic flight near Townsville, North Queensland, the canopy of an LSA registered Evektor Sportstar Plus opened spontaneously at about 1800'AGL at 100kt IAS.
0 kommentar(er)
