Glider Was At 3,700 Ft Mean Sea Level When The Canopy Suddenly, Without Warning Separated

Location: Woodstock, VA Accident Number: ERA23LA013
Date & Time: October 8, 2022, 09:50 Local Registration: N520RJ
Aircraft: Schempp-Hirth Discus CS Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 8, 2022, about 0950 eastern daylight time, a Schempp-Hirth Discus CS glider, N520RJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Woodstock, Virginia. The private pilot was not injured. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the glider was at 3,700 ft mean sea level when the canopy suddenly, without warning separated. The pilot double-checked the canopy latch and jettison handle and confirmed that he did not jettison the canopy. He subsequently landed uneventfully at his intended destination airport.

Separated sections of the glider canopy were recovered and forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory, Washington, D.C., for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov