Aeronca Champion
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 127; Flight Crew Type 25
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related
Just prior to pattern entry a violent windshield failure occurred. At the time of the failure; I was looking down to stow my iPad in the door pocket; which protected my face from the debris. 90% of the windscreen imploded into me and out the left side of the aircraft; taking my hat and headset off. The resulting pressure through the fuselage blew out the left rear window as well. Compass; sunshades; and all other loose items in aircraft departed out the opening. The debris hit left wing and left horizontal tail leading edges; causing some fabric damage. Was able to retrieve headset; make one radio call; and land otherwise normally. Unsure if bird strike; or another object; or if windshield failed on its own accord. Fortunately/unfortunately; I happened to be looking down at the moment of its failure; so I have no idea whether something hit my aircraft or not. There is no physical evidence of a bird; and no parts of a drone or other object. Colleagues of my father (all in aviation) believe it to have been a strike of some kind; as they haven't seen an unprovoked windscreen failure like this before. No injuries; no witness to the moment of incident other than myself.
Citabria pilot reported the windshield shattered for unknown reasons.