Amateur-built MG-1 N126GM accident near Madera, California

Probable cause

An emergency landing on uneven terrain that resulted in the loss of directional control during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during level flight, the airplane canopy suddenly opened, so he elected to land the airplane on a dirt road ahead. On approach to the dirt road, he encountered power lines and climbed to avoid them, then he continued the emergency approach to the road. When the airplane touched down on the dirt road, it veered aggressively to the left, becoming airborne momentarily, then landing in a ditch and nosing over before coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA361 for the full record.