Steve: You said it:  it is simply "assumptions" on our part. When someone with hard facts can teach me what changes when the canopy opens then I'll have some confidence in what the issue is.  The solution seems clear--keep it closed.  The physics of what happens is intriguing and not related to the issue of designing a better system or secondary latch so nobody needs the model, it is just good practice to try understand what kills people without causing further harm or damage.  I'd like to understand why this problem occurs even if I don't retrofit the safety latch.   The stories and accidents don't provide a solid answer.   I'd just like to know how an airplane with wings and operating engine can "stall" and lead to "loss of control" as you stated just because the canopy opens.   Lots of ideas, short on facts as a group on this issue.

Let me ask these questions to the group, speculation is permitted since we have no data:

a) is the canopy generating lift when closed? If so, does that lift decrease or increase when unlatched?
b) Does the CG of the aircraft change between open and closed canopy in flight?
c) Does drag increase between open and closed in flight?
d) What does a pilot do when all that noise and flying paper occurs?  Full throttle, decrease power?

Paul