DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 2940; Flight Crew Type 190
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft
Was training student unusual attitude recovery techniques. Student was looking down at their knees; I was flying the aircraft at a level altitude banking left and right +/- 20 degrees. On last turn to right at 25 degrees with the airspeed about 120 KIAS indicated with nose falling through the horizon into a descent; the left side of the forward canopy popped open about 1 inch. Airspeed had increased at this time to about 130 KIAS and bank was about 30 degrees to the right.I maneuvered the aircraft to straight and level flight slowing down to 90 KIAS. I then made a precautionary landing at the closest airport. After shutdown; it was noticed that the latch cable was no longer able to secure the left hand side of the forward canopy.
A DA40 instructor performed upset recovery training with a student and noticed the left forward canopy popped open about one inch. He landed as a precaution and discovered the latch cable could no longer secure the forward canopy's left side.