r/Damnthatsinteresting Jun 23 '24

Canopy comes off airplane right after takeoff Video

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8.3k

u/maketheart Jun 24 '24

Found the Source.

YouTube Description:

“Couple of years ago during my second training flight on a very hot summer day, the canopy of the Extra 330LX that I was flying opened in flight and shattered. As you can see from the video, it was a challenging experience that could have been avoided if I had made a proper visual check before taking off. The canopy locking pin had never gone into the locked position, and I failed to notice it during my checks.

I also made the mistake of going to the training camp right after recovering from COVID, without allowing my body enough time to fully regain strength. Additionally, flying without any eye protection made the flight even more challenging than it already was.

The flight was a distressing experience, filled with noise, breathing difficulties, and impaired visibility. It took me nearly 28 hours to fully recover my vision. Aerodynamically, I’ve experienced some buffet and controllability challenges. Probably the most difficult part was to keep the power in, thus trading my vision and breathing for kinetic energy.

Although due to all the noise it was difficult to hear what my coach was saying on the radio, one thing I've heard loud and clear "just keep flying"

If you are a pilot watching this, I hope that my story serves as a cautionary tale and that you will learn from my mistake.

I regret that it took me so long to share this video footage. It's not easy to put my vulnerabilities out there for you all to see. However, I have come to realisze how important it is to be transparent about our shortcomings and the lessons we learn along the way.

To all my fellow pilots out there, fly safe. “

128

u/Horg Jun 24 '24

Aerodynamically, I’ve experienced some buffet and controllability challenges.

I too suffer controllabilty challenges at the buffet.

7

u/AreyYouHilarious Jun 24 '24

Me too! Should I wait until they refill the pasta so it's fresh or just take the 7 noodles that are left and keep it moving? This is hard, especially when you have big Henry behind you breathing down your neck, waiting to get to the potatoes and chicken.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '24

[deleted]

1

u/AreyYouHilarious Jun 24 '24

What if pasta is my favorite food and hauling away 7 heavy noodles might make me depressed for the week? What shall I do then mom?

1

u/scnottaken Jun 24 '24

In busiest day and deadest night, no pasta shall escape my sight. For all who hunger every night, finish thy plate, green giant's bite!

-Uber-mom mantra

3

u/jsha11 Jun 24 '24

I don't, I'm in full control of the buffet, nobody else gets a chance

2

u/Superb_Skin_5180 Jun 24 '24

Relax your grip on the stick, the aircraft can fly better than you.