Sail Plane
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Total 410; Flight Crew Type 2.7
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was in training for an add on glider rating. In the morning I completed my first solo glider flight and another 3 solo pattern flights successfully. After the first flight I remained seated in the airplane in the front seat and belted; as instructed by the CFI. I did not get out of the glider until after the incident. The plane would be towed by golf cart back to the end of the runway; connected to the tow plane; and a pattern flown. In between some of these patterns; the rear canopy was opened by the CFI and then closed again. I don't specifically remember if the CFI opened the rear canopy after the 4th flight; but the glider was on the ground for about 15 or 20 minutes. Before each flight I would check that the canopy was closed by pushing on the frame for the front and rear canopy; above my head; and check for movement. This is in the pre takeoff checklist for the glider. On the 5th flight; after the 200 foot callout for nose down; turn downwind; and land; the canopy came open with a loud bang. Seated in the front seat there was no way to reach the canopy frame and no way to close it. I opted to continue the tow to pattern altitude. Due to the drag from the canopy I had to abort my plan to fly a normal pattern; head straight for the nearest point on the field; and execute a 45 degree entry to a downwind landing with a final turn about 30 feet AGL. I estimate I cleared the trees by only about 20-40 feet. The damage to the airplane was limited to the canopy frame due to coming open in flight. There were no injuries. I believe when the CFI closed the rear canopy; he intended to latch it; but it's possible he failed to do so or failed to move the handle closed all the way. From the front seat; I cannot see or reach the latch without getting out of the glider. It is possible that the canopy latch was fully or partly open; and came open due to turbulence in flight. It is possible; but seems unlikely to me; that the canopy latching mechanism had failed. After flight it appeared undamaged. In the future I will insist that I myself close and latch the rear canopy if flying solo in this glider. If someone opens the rear canopy while I am in the glider; I will have to get out to positively check that it is closed and latched. I believe the procedure of pushing on the rear canopy frame is insufficient without verifying visually the state of the latch.
A pilot receiving glider instruction reported the canopy came open during flight in the airport traffic pattern.