What happens when a canopy slams back, right at the moment of take-off? This unfortunate pilot found out.

In August 2024, a pilot was getting ready to take off from Waihī Beach in his Sierra Tecnam.

The weather was a little chilly, so the pilot rolled the canopy forward a little earlier than he normally would, but failed to lock it.

“I carried out my preflight checks and placed my maps and gear on the spare seat,” says the pilot.

“I performed a final check outside, made my radio call and lined up on the runway.”

The pilot powered up to full throttle.

As the nose of the Tecnam was about to lift off the ground, the unsecured canopy slammed backward.

“All hell broke loose.

“In an instant all my maps and other gear in the cockpit were airborne.”

The distracted pilot attempted to shut the canopy, at the same time a slight crosswind took effect.

“I didn’t reduce power or apply brakes,” says the pilot.”

Like any other conventional aircraft, the Sierra requires significant right rudder on take-off.

“I veered to the left and made contact with a parked aircraft.”

The pilot was hospitalised for several days. Both aircraft were damaged and required repairs.

“I didn’t know at the time, but the Tecnam will still fly with the canopy open. So in hindsight, I could have left it alone, after it opened.

“Or I should have reduced power and brought the aircraft to a stop.”

Stay calm, maintain control

GA Flight Examiner Aaron Pearce agrees that aborting the flight would have been best practice.

“If required, aborted take-offs are okay and demonstrate good airmanship.

“Don’t take a machine airborne if you’re not happy, or if something changes on the take-off roll,” says Aaron.

“But never try to fix it while rolling.”

Pilots must be wary of anything interrupting their normal flow of checks, says Aaron.

“If you do elect to close your canopy early or leave it cracked due to temperature, make sure your DVAs or pre-take-off checks are going to capture it again before take-off,” says Aaron.

“Most pilots will have experienced a canopy or door opening during take-off or during flight.

“If it happens, stay calm and maintain control of the machine.”

The pilot says he will never again forget to lock the aircraft canopy.

“I’ve learned a lesson here. I’ll be more careful in future with preflight preparation.”

Photo courtesy of Tecnam.