Incident Overview
During a routine flight, the pilot initiated a 30-degree left turn. As the bank began, the left canopy door suddenly became ajar, causing the pilot difficulty in controlling the airplane. Approximately 2 to 3 seconds later, the canopy door completely separated from the airframe.
Sequence of Events
After detachment, the door struck the pilot's left shoulder before impacting the side of the fuselage. Despite the distraction and injury, the pilot managed to land the airplane at the airport without further incident. Following egress from the cockpit, both pilots observed that the canopy latching mechanism remained in the locked position, still affixed to the airframe.
Injury and Medical Findings
Subsequent medical visits revealed that the pilot had suffered tendon damage to his left shoulder as a result of the door strike.
Technical Examination
A technical examination of the airplane determined that the upper aft hinge of the canopy door failed first, followed by the forward hinge and a bolt that attached the bottom latch to the frame. The examination suggested that the hinge had apparently undergone stress from the door remaining open during windy conditions or while the propeller was under power over an undetermined number of prior flights.
Flight Manual Reference
The airplane's flight manual indicates in several locations that the door is to remain closed during such conditions, namely when the propeller is under power or in windy conditions.