Posted for n98pb@netzero.com:

Yesterday, while enroute to the East Coast, I experienced a window failure in my  IVP.  We were at gross weight, 21K and pressurized to about 4.8 inches.  No warning just explosive loss of pressurization.  Subsequent inventory of the damages to the aircraft are: Loss of the window, the projectile (window) struck the left wing about six foot from the side of the cabin, first just forward of the speed brake,then several divots in the wing trailing edge and finally cutting clean through a majority of the left flap aft of the main flap spar.  No damage to the tail area and the flap held together, although was not used for the landing at Payson,AZ.  Some excellent people at Payson, FBO "Against the Wind", proprietor
James Garner and staff were terrific.  Rolled the plane into the hanger and used his tools and materials to patch the flap, wing and window opening for a return flight to So. Cal.   I would like to get some input into the number of these events the IVP has experienced.  I know of three others that prompted some effort at minor changes including opening the through bolt holes and filling the space with silicon. This was completed on this bird.  The plane has 360 hours on it over three years and most of it at altitude on cross country trips.  I intend to look at the log books to determine the number of pressure cycles as an interest item. ANY input would be appreciated. Lancair is sending a new window and some drawings of suggested modifications to avoid drilling through the window.  Has anyone done this?

Pat Brunner
N98PB IVP 360 Hours