Canopy open incident.

On Saturday, June 15, 2013 5:20:20 PM UTC-7, Tom K (ES) wrote:
I am not ashamed to admit it was me.

Happened to me in a 2-33 on 05-19-91 at Estrella. Canopy popped open when
we hit an Arizona boomer just as I was announcing (Thanks, Tom K.) 200 feet.
For a rare time in my life, being left-handed was a benefit. Grabbed canopy with left hand, stick pressure with right hand to get back behind tow plane, locked canopy with left, then released as was high enough for safe downwind landing in gentle winds.
Apologized to tow pilot about getting high - he said the rope was so slack he did't notice until he looked and "you weren't there."
Next morning walked out and found my hat and sunglasses.
Successful "Private Pilot Glider Practical Test Passed & Certificate Issued" that afternoon by Jim Burch - a super examiner and good guy. He had tow pilot roll into thermals and then reverse directions.
The "E" for "emergencies" or "eventualities" on my written checklist, read & done before attaching tow rope, has had a visceral (in your guts) meaning ever since.

If you are under control, and the wind in your face is not an issue. Stay on tow. Get to an altitude where you know you can get back.

A 100 ft release on our 3500 ft runway will have your landing rollout beyond the airport fence, especially on hot days.
I'll pull the release on my students below 50 ft to emphasize, you've got to get it down and stopped!

Had a commercial ride for hire lose a forward Grob canopy on takeoff. Pulled the release at 200ft, standard training for a 180 return to the airport.
He did not make it back, the extra drag of the missing canopy was worse than full spoilers. He had to ground loop it when he saw a barbed wire fence that would have decapitated his front seat pax. They both walked away.

Another 2-32 commercial ride lost the canopy. Front seat pilot had glasses with sport safety strap, he did not lose his glasses. Stayed on tow to 500 ft and an uneventful return to the airport.

The first reaction to "release release release" must be tempered with, "I'm still flying, I'm still under control", "what are my options".
Or as we said in my military flying, "you're still flying, the EP is under control, take time to wind the watch and think about recovery".

BillT