results of opening the canopy in flight

[JDeanda]

Just more data…did a webinar a few months ago where FAA investigated an RV-12 that witnesses said suddenly dove into the ground. The impact was hard enough to flatten the wings’ leading edges almost back to the spar. Evidence pointed pretty clearly to an unlatched canopy. I posted earlier on this thread about my wife’s incident in our RV-6 that got pretty dicey when the canopy unlatched. I spent a bit of time going over the latches and found no problems. You can be sure they get a good look on every condition inspection, too. Come to think if it, just before we bought this same airplane, the last owner and I were flying it on the demo flight when the canopy unlatched. He was the pilot flying, and the airplane seemed to fly fine. We could not get the canopy down the last inch or so and landed uneventfully with me holding it. On the ground, we just latched it down properly and took off again without a nervous thought. Very strange that we had two different situations to the same condition on the same airplane. Go figure. Anyway, I check the canopy very closely before takeoff and we’ve never had any more trouble.

[seagull]

Originally Posted by RFSchaller

This is interesting. I seem to recall a fatal RV-12 crash a year or two ago where there was conjecture that a failed canopy latch caused the canopy to pop up on final disrupting airflow over the stabilator causing the aircraft to pitch down. This incident would indicate that doesn’t happen.

In my case the canopy did not ever open more than a 2” crack at the rear. Between me and the wife someone always had a hand on the handle. I gained safe altitude and went to auto-pilot then tried to pull the sides in so the last inch would closed, no luck.
It may be true that the plane becomes unstable if it opens too far, I didn’t want to test that. I would think the slip stream would try to keep it mostly down. It does mess with your head and I could see where a person could forget to fly the plane.

[donaziza]

I've got an RV 8, and this seems mostly about RV 12's. Moderators--shut me down if I'm out of place here.
Anyway, my 8 has a slider canopy. I cracked it open just enough to toss out a roll of toilet paper, (later to dive for it) BUT, I had to slow down to 75 KIAS to crack the canopy open ( about 2 inches---It didn't wanna open.) By the time I got the canopy closed, increased airspeed while in a hard left bank looking for that $%^&* roll of toilet paper, I never found it.

[MechaSteve]

Looking at the canopy design, I was wondering if the guide tabs could be used as an additional safety latch.

Has anyone else tried a modification based on that?

[12vaitor]

Originally Posted by MechaSteve

Looking at the canopy design, I was wondering if the guide tabs could be used as an additional safety latch.

Has anyone else tried a modification based on that?

Adding a lock to the guide tabs would not be anything more than a variation of adding a canopy key lock. Basically, you make the tab about an inch longer and cut a slot in it. Might need a sliding lock engagement mechanism as you could not directly access that area sitting in the seat.

John Salak
RV-12 N896HS

[Land328]

Originally Posted by JDeanda

Just more data…did a webinar a few months ago where FAA investigated an RV-12 that witnesses said suddenly dove into the ground. The impact was hard enough to flatten the wings’ leading edges almost back to the spar. Evidence pointed pretty clearly to an unlatched canopy. I posted earlier on this thread about my wife’s incident in our RV-6 that got pretty dicey when the canopy unlatched. I spent a bit of time going over the latches and found no problems. You can be sure they get a good look on every condition inspection, too. Come to think if it, just before we bought this same airplane, the last owner and I were flying it on the demo flight when the canopy unlatched. He was the pilot flying, and the airplane seemed to fly fine. We could not get the canopy down the last inch or so and landed uneventfully with me holding it. On the ground, we just latched it down properly and took off again without a nervous thought. Very strange that we had two different situations to the same condition on the same airplane. Go figure. Anyway, I check the canopy very closely before takeoff and we’ve never had any more trouble.

I would imagine the pilot was trying to fly and try and close the canopy at the same time, perhaps causing a stall or pitch command to the ground. I doubt the canopy being open was the cause by itself.

[rgmwa]

Originally Posted by 12vaitor

Adding a lock to the guide tabs would not be anything more than a variation of adding a canopy key lock. Basically, you make the tab about an inch longer and cut a slot in it. Might need a sliding lock engagement mechanism as you could not directly access that area sitting in the seat.

John Salak
RV-12 N896HS

That would likely make it more difficult for you to get out or for others to open the canopy in an emergency.