CHI02CA203

The unlatched canopy opened during takeoff roll. While returning to the airport, the pilot briefly lost control (stalled) and, although control was regained, the aircraft lost sufficient altitude and descended into terrain. Shortly after impact, the aircraft hit a fence row and was substantially damaged. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

On July 19, 2002, at 1030 central daylight time, a Bilgri Sonerai II LTS, N9B, owned and piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during initial climb from runway 8 (5,069 feet by 100 feet, dry/asphalt) at the Dodge County Airport (UNU), Juneau, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In his written report, the pilot stated "I borrowed a handheld device that . . . would give prop rotation speed. I distrusted the device reading when pointing through the windscreen, therefore I opened the canopy slightly, extending my hand outside to obtain a reading. When done, I closed the canopy. I made an error by not returning to my checklist which includes 'Safety the canopy latch'. The takeoff started normally. The canopy flew open while still over the runway. I decided insufficient runway remained for landing, so I proceeded up to several hundred feet altitude. The aircraft handled very poorly, although I had control. I attempted a slow turn back to the airport, briefly losing control. I regained control but lost altitude, finding myself on the ground but unable to avoid the fence line."

FAA records indicate the pilot holds a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating, and a third class medical certificate issued October 2001. The pilot reported 139 hours total time, 11 hours within the past 90 days, and 11 hours in the same make and model as the accident aircraft.

Weather conditions at the scene were reported by the pilot as clear, 10 miles visibility and no turbulence. Dodge County AWOS, at 1535 UTC, reported conditions as 8,000 scattered with 10 miles visibility, and winds from 060 degrees at 4 knots.