[TXnMA]

The G-300 is no cobbled-together atttempt at building a flying machine:

"Giles G-300 at Fox Field in September 1997. The Giles G-300 is reported to be a single seat aerobatic aircraft based on the airframe of the two seat G-202 with, of course, a humongous engine. This G-300 belongs to Bob and Marta Meyer."

The huge moving rudder area would seem to indicate an all-out aerobatic design...

OTOH, the canopy appears to be a side-hinged affair. Could it be that, when it came loose in flight, it hit the pilot's head as it blew off? It wouldn't seem that simple canopy loss in a climb would have been non-recoverable -- especially for a pilot with Marta's awesome skills...

[Dashing Dasher]

See my post #44 for more info on G300.

[zipper]

I've heard many stories of canopies coming off in flight, and know one guy that had it happen to him in a T-33. It makes it impossible to talk on the radios, but doesn't appreciably affect the handling of the aircraft on any airplane I can think of. But then most military jets have canopies that slide forward/backward, versus the side hinges that are apparent on the G-300. So maybe there was some flexing or there were control issues involved as it separated-- we'll have to wait for the accident report.

[Puppage]

That's an awesome looking aircraft!