NTSB Factual Report

On November 18, 2006, about 1030 eastern standard time, an experimental, homebuilt, Sargent Jonathan, Varieze, N75EZ, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impact the ground after an inflight loss of control while on short final approach to the Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot received serious injuries and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from the same airport, earlier that day, about 1025.

The pilot stated that he has had problems with locking the canopy. He would have to attempt to close the canopy several times before it would lock correctly. When he closed the canopy for the accident flight "it did not feel right" but elected to continue the flight. At about 500 feet above the ground, after take off, the canopy popped open. He stayed in the pattern and was on final, while holding down the canopy. He released his hand from the control stick to throttle back, the airplane veered left. He could not regain control of the airplane and impacted the ground.

The responding FAA inspector stated that during the post accident examination, the two front latches to secure the canopy down did not engage when the canopy was in the down and locked position. When lifted, the canopy to windshield miss alignment was about 3/4 of an inch into the wind stream.

A complete Pilot/Operator Accident Incident Report (Form 6120.1/2) was not received for this accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight, which did not ensure the security of the canopy before flight.