SEA94LA148

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff the canopy popped open during the climb out. The pilot released from the tow plane at 500 feet AGL and held the canopy closed for the return landing. The pilot stated that he couldn't see when he let go of the canopy to apply the spoilers and brakes. The glider landed long and collided with a small structure before coming to a rest.

On June 8, 1994, at 1606 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 1-26D, N7751S, collided with a small structure after the glider landed long at a private airstrip near North Plains, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The glider was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight had originated at North Plains, as a local pleasure flight.

The pilot reported that the canopy was not latched properly during the take off and popped open at 200 feet above ground level. The pilot elected to continue the tow to 500 feet where he released from the tow plane and hand held the canopy closed while returning to land. During the landing approach, the pilot had to let go of the canopy to apply the spoilers and brake, at which time, the pilot stated that he had difficulty seeing due to the wind in his face. The landing was made past the airstrip in an open field. During the landing roll, the glider collided with an outhouse near the runway before coming to a stop.

The pilot reported minor damage to the glider, however, a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office, inspected the glider and reported structural damage.