DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 200; Flight Crew Type 100
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
While climbing out; the front canopy opened shortly after takeoff. An audible chime was emitted by the intercom system; and an alert was displayed on the G1000 annunciation panel. I attempted to close the canopy; asking my passenger to push down on her side of the canopy while I did the same. Attempts to re-latch the canopy failed. I advised ATC that I needed to return immediately.After rolling out; I opened the canopy to discover that the pilot side canopy operating rod (Diamond part number DS-GWS5-470-C) had sheared off just 1/8 of an inch from the locking bolt (Diamond part number DA4-5210-73-00). The locking bolt and a portion of the operating rod had jammed sideways in the pin guide block; which I believe made it impossible to close the canopy in flight.
DA40 pilot reported the front canopy opened shortly after takeoff and could not be relatched. It was discovered that the pilot side canopy operating rod had sheared off just 1/8 of an inch from the locking bolt jamming the canopy in the unlatched position.