What happened
On 7 February 2013, an Extra EA 300/L, registration G-ZXCL, was performing a training flight at Northampton (Sywell) Aerodrome. The pilot intended to conduct a solo aerobatic session. The initial phase of the takeoff roll proceeded without incident; however, as the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 80 kt and a height of 50 ft, the cockpit canopy suddenly opened. The large, transparent canopy, which includes the windscreen and is hinged on the right side, swung open and made contact with the right wing. Following this impact, the pilot immediately aborted the takeoff by cutting engine power and landed the aircraft back on the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the canopy and the underside of the right tailplane.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the canopy's release. The pilot, who held a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and had significant total flying experience, reviewed his pre-flight procedures. While the pilot believed that all necessary pre-flight checks had been completed thoroughly, the investigation focused on the mechanical state of the canopy locking mechanism during the takeoff roll.