What happened
On 21 March 2010, a Siai Marchetti F260C, registration N61FD, was conducting a private flight when the pilot noticed a structural irregularity. While climbing through 2,500 ft, the pilot observed that the left side of the rearward-sliding canopy had lifted approximately 25 mm from its intended position.
In response to the situation, the pilot declared a MAYDAY to Farnborough Radar and intended to divert to Southend Airport. Although the pilot reduced the aircraft's airspeed, the canopy continued to move, eventually departing the airframe. During this process, the canopy struck the fin and the right side of the tailplane. While the aircraft remained flyable, the pilot noted a reduction in elevator authority. Due to the risk of further structural failure, the pilot opted to perform a precautionary landing in a field.
The landing occurred on soft ground, which caused the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot was able to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the canopy and its attachment points. The rearward-sliding canopy on this model is mounted on rollers that run in rails. These rails are secured to the fuselage on each side by three sliding pins that lock into specific lugs.
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the jettison handle had remained in its locked, normal position. The physical evidence indicated that the sliding pins on the left-hand rail had not been fully seated into their respective lugs.