Horror story with a happy ending....
All you glider pilots who fly a K21 two-seater, BEWARE!!!!!
A top pilot I know, who flies Airbus heavys for a living, decided to take the club 21 up the wire solo. So of course was flying from the front seat, back seat empty.
Probably the safety arrangement for canopy latching was worn. Whatever, half way up the wire launch, at a nose up angle nearly vertical as is usual for a good winch launch, the REAR CANOPY DEPARTED ALTOGETHER. And gave the tail of the glider a good wack on the way.
The pilot stayed cool, did not panic. Flew to the top of the launch, thereby having maximum height to deal or to depart. He was of course wearing a parachute, as we all do in the UK.
And as the glider still responded to controls, he very very gingerly and gently turned back and landed on the airfield. Glider retired from service until canopy latches repaired, and we all take great care to make sure it is secured.
Before flying. Every time.