What happened
On July 7, 2002, at approximately 19:30, a Rand Robinson KR 2 was conducting a local flight near the Coulommiers aerodrome for the purpose of obtaining a final certificate of airworthiness. The aircraft, registration F-WGJP, was being operated for private purposes.
After approximately twenty minutes of flight, while at an altitude of 1,200 feet and just before passing over the aerodrome, the left side of the canopy opened unexpectedly. This sudden opening created significant turbulence within the cockpit. In response, the pilot reduced engine power to approximately 600 RPM and attempted to close the canopy using his left hand; however, he was unable to secure the locking mechanism. Due to the resulting instability of the aircraft, the pilot was forced to maintain control with his right hand only.
Following a southbound approach, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on the paved runway 27. Realizing the aircraft would not reach the runway, the pilot opted to land on the grass area to the left of the runway. During the final turn at low airspeed, the left wing stalled and struck the ground, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.