Canopy Departs Its Mounts As L39 Albatros Departs From AirVenture

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A civilian L39 Albatros jet experienced a front canopy separation during takeoff from Wittman Regional Airport after EAA AirVenture.
  • The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured and successfully made a safe landing back at the airport.
  • The detached canopy was recovered undamaged from the runway, enabling the aircraft to depart later the same day.
  • This incident is not unique, as a similar canopy separation event was recorded nine years prior.
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The front canopy of a civilian-operated Aerovodochody L39 Albatros single-engine jet separated from its moorings on takeoff from Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on departure from EAA AirVenture. The pilot and sole occupant of the two-seat jet was apparently uninjured and is shown on the accompanying video making a safe landing after returning to the airport.

The video was captured by occupants of an aircraft waiting in line for departure from the show and posted on YouTube yesterday (July 31). According to reports, the canopy landed on the runway and was sufficiently undamaged that the aircraft was able to leave later the same day.

An internet search also turned up this video of a similar situation posted nine years ago.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.
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