History of the Flight
The pilot, who had recently purchased the aircraft, was flying from Tatenhill to Sywell Aerodrome en route to his base at Earls Colne Airfield. During the climb, he noted abnormally high engine temperature and low oil pressure. After leveling off did not stabilize the readings, he elected to divert to Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome. While routing there, a portable carbon monoxide monitor emitted an audible alarm. The pilot opened the sliding canopy to ventilate, but the canopy detached from the aircraft. The aircraft landed safely at Bruntingthorpe; no subsequent damage or injury on the ground was reported.
Background
The pilot had bought the aircraft in April 2015 with plans to refurbish it. He inspected it and considered it structurally sound and airworthy. The aircraft had a valid Permit to Fly but had flown only one flight in the preceding 12 months. As a condition of purchase, the canopy was replaced because the original glazing was in poor condition; the replacement was inspected by the pilot's nominated LAA Inspector. The pilot performed engine ground runs and fuel line checks. During a circuit at Tatenhill, he again observed higher-than-expected engine temperature and lower oil pressure, but the previous owner stated these were normal for the aircraft. The pilot proceeded with the flight, planning to stop at Sywell for refueling and engine checks, and routing over diversion airfields.
Discussion
The pilot, unfamiliar with the aircraft, prudently planned diversion airfields, which proved necessary due to sub-optimal engine performance. He later considered opening the canopy may have been an error, but the carbon monoxide indication and lack of alternative ventilation made it seem reasonable. The canopy assembly on the Practavia Sprite is secured only when fully closed; no evidence linked the detachment to its recent replacement. Subsequent engine examination revealed a large crack in the engine casing, likely causing the poor performance and carbon monoxide fumes.
The pilot reported the accident to the LAA, which manages the Permit to Fly scheme. The LAA found concerns including general neglect and a banned PVC fuel hose in the fuel system. The incident and aircraft condition were reviewed with the LAA Inspector who had supervised the previous annual inspection; he stated the aircraft was airworthy at the time of his inspection. The LAA provided additional guidance to that Inspector and will monitor his future inspections as part of oversight.
Safety Actions
The LAA is updating the Operating Limitations Documents for Practavia Sprite aircraft to require a placard stating: 'THIS CANOPY MUST NOT BE OPENED IN FLIGHT.' Additionally, this incident will be discussed in the 'Safety Spot' section of the LAA's monthly magazine in December 2015.