Incident Overview
A pilot reported that the cockpit canopy latch had broken at the conclusion of the previous flight. The latch was subsequently welded and reinstalled prior to the accident flight. During the climb after takeoff, as the airplane reached approximately 50 feet above ground level, the repaired canopy latch failed.
Pilot Actions
In response to the failure, the pilot initiated an immediate landing attempt on the remaining runway. The decision was based on the risk that the canopy might separate in flight and strike the empennage, potentially causing further loss of control.
Runway Excursion
Despite the pilot's efforts, the airplane could not be brought to a stop on the remaining runway. The aircraft departed the paved surface and struck a ditch. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.
Outcome
The accident sequence ended with the airplane in a nose-over attitude after the runway excursion. The source does not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft or any injuries to occupants.