Accident Overview
On March 24, 2022, at about 1845 mountain daylight time, a Czech Sport Aircraft Sportcruiser, registration N823MM, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Lanark, New Mexico. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to calibrate a newly installed angle-of-attack gauge. After climbing to approximately 6,500 ft mean sea level, he performed a power-off stall. As the nose of the airplane dropped, the left canopy latch "broke loose." About 4 to 5 seconds later, the right canopy latch "blew open," and the entire windscreen "popped up like a speed brake." The airplane's pitch remained nose down, and it subsequently struck the ground. The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. Data recovered from a GPS device corroborated the pilot's account.
Examination Findings
Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact anomalies with the canopy or the canopy operating system. The canopy locking handle was located on the back console panel between the two cockpit seats, connected to a rod with identical locking hook mechanisms on each side of the fuselage/canopy opening. The locking mechanisms engaged and disengaged simultaneously when the handle was operated.
Canopy Locking Mechanism
The locking system disengaged when the handle was pulled up and fully engaged (locked) when pushed completely down into a stowed position. The mechanisms consisted of a welded tab on the connecting rod attached to a pushrod linked to the canopy latch. When the locking handle was lifted, an over-center position was reached after about 1/4 inch of upward movement. The handle traveled approximately 3 additional inches before the locking mechanisms reached the fully disengaged position.