On 20 Feb 2004 19:48:04 GMT, (BAToulson) wrote:
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A third was in a Bocian, also on a winch when the rear canopy, which slid
backwards on rails, came unlocked, slid back and hit the rear stop. This one
was probably the worst because, a) we were about 100ft and starting to rotate
into full climb, b) in addtion to the "bang" as it hit the stop, there was a
huge, disorientating rush of air, and c) it took a while to work out what had
happened, take over from the pupil, (only his second or third winch take off)
and get the nose down etc.

IIRC Derek Piggott had this happen as well - except that the rear stop
didn't and it took the tail off. He - and his pupil - came down by
parachute.

And Chris Rollings had this happen on Aerotow from Aboyne - with my
future wife in the other seat - and caught the canopy as it went past.

Chris Rowland