September 22, 2024
Time: 13:00 local
I departed Oshawa toward Lindsay, then at the north end of Scugog island I diverted toward the Peterborough Airport. Some friends asked if I could fly a low and over so that they could video the Glasair doing something which is quite normal for this machine.
The Ceiling was broken at 2500 ft. I completed the low and over at just over 250 kts and then pulled up to 3000 feet doing a Immelmann turn (180) toward the Oshawa Airport.
I slowed the Glasair 111 down to 160 kts. The engine ran smoothly, It was in perfect harmony. Now I had visions of flying a cross-county flight to the west coast. After all the work, with the correct timing and the GAMI injectors, the engine was performing to its full potential.
Just past Mosport and now at 2500 ft, a loud bang with a rolling motion to the right; I immediately reduced power, applied left rudder and left aileron simultaneously. The right canopy had departed the fuselage. During the confusion, I lost 500 feet and was heading toward the wind turbines located at the intersection of Highway 7 and Highway 35. I applied power and climbed to 2500 feet albeit rather sluggishly.
I called Oshawa Tower, explaining that I was 13 sm to the North East; I had the ATIS and explained that I had lost the starboard canopy.
The controller asked if I wanted to declare an emergency, I said ‘no’ but I did request a priority landing. Maneuverability, on the downwind was becoming a concern, buffeting wind, and noise with constant inputs to stabilize the aircraft. On final and over the bushes on runway 12 the aircraft rolled right, which was a surprise, I corrected and landed.
This is the second canopy departure on this machine, the first happened In 2010 at the Brantford Airport on takeoff, low speed but just as critical as this incident.
Had I been flying at 200 to 220 kts its normal cruising speed and the canopy departed; I wouldn’t be relating this incident.
An American Captain also flying a Glasair 111 recently, experienced a similar situation, unfortunately, he lost control of the Aircraft, both the pilot and his passenger were fatally injured.
I tried to light three candles, but the wind kept blowing out the flame, I emailed the Pope, but he didn’t respond
I believe, sincerely, that the aerobatic experience I have gained over the years saved my life.
In conclusion, the Glasair 111 is a wonderful aircraft.