Accident Overview
On May 20, 2017, at about 1459 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/S airplane, registration N68PW, experienced a canopy separation during takeoff roll from Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) in Pendleton, Oregon. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the canopy and wing. The flight was conducted under Part 91 of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a local flight originating at the time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
During a telephone interview with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot reported that shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, the canopy began to lift and separate from the airplane. The airplane then veered left, exited the runway, and struck an airport runway sign during the aborted takeoff. The pilot stated that he did not recall checking that the canopy was locked and was fairly sure it had not been latched. He also reported no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the canopy, canopy attachment bolts, mounting bolt holes, latches, or locking mechanism. No cracking or corrosion was observed. The canopy, manufactured as a single section, is manually operated by the pilot and opens by lifting to the right. It has fore and aft interior locking handles located on the left side of the canopy frame, which must be squeezed together to unlock. Both locking handles must be in the outward position when locked. A placard near the locking handles indicates the unlock and locked positions.
Procedural Notes
The airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook includes checklist items to close and lock the canopy in both the Before Starting Engine and Taxi checklists. A caution regarding the canopy notes: "handles of the lock mechanism must be in opposite position indicated with a red line on the canopy frame. Check gap between canopy frame and fuselage fairing!"