Introduction
On 31 July 2009 at 1733 UTC, a private flight involving an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration G-SDFM, experienced a serious incident near Broomhill Grange, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 2002, was powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The pilot, the sole occupant, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 2,545 hours of total flying experience, with 7 hours on type.
Event Details
The aircraft was in level flight at an altitude of 3,000 ft to the north of Mansfield when the canopy suddenly shattered. This caused loose items within the cockpit to be displaced, and some objects, including the pilot's rucksack, fell overboard. The pilot sustained lacerations to the head, resulting in profuse bleeding that impaired the vision in her right eye.
Aftermath
Despite the impairment, the pilot identified a suitable field and executed a successful forced landing. The damage to the aircraft comprised a shattered canopy, a damaged tailplane leading edge, and damage to the upper surface of the right wing. The pilot reported minor injuries.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the most likely reason for the canopy shattering was a bird strike.